Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make the payment of Living Wage Foundation’s real Living Wage and occupational sick pay a requirement of all contracts let by the Government.

The Government awards contracts on the basis of the best value for money for the taxpayer.

Government departments, as Contracting Authorities, are responsible for setting out the terms and conditions of the contracts they enter into with suppliers, and for those suppliers to establish the pay, terms and conditions for their employees.

We insist that employers pay at least the National Minimum Wage, or the National Living Wage for workers over 25. Departments can already require suppliers to pay above these rates, such as the London Living Wage, where it is relevant and proportionate to do so. This is also the case for requiring suppliers to pay above the statutory requirement for sick pay.