Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many staff in his Department are paid less than the London Living Wage; and what requirements his Department places on contractors to pay the London Living Wage to London-based staff.

No staff in the Department are paid at a rate below the London Living Wage.

This government is committed to paying people a decent living wage, which is being addressed through the statutory National Living Wage. In April 2019, the National Living Wage increased to £8.21 per hour, handing a full-time worker a further £690 annual pay rise. By 2024 the National Living Wage will rise to £10.50 per hour, reaching 66% of median UK earnings. The scope will be expanded to everyone aged 21 and over and is expected to benefit over 4 million low paid workers.

The Government will always award contracts on the basis of the best value for money for the taxpayer. DCMS standard terms and conditions ensures that any supplier shall comply with all applicable laws in supplying services to the department. We insist that contractors pay at least the National Minimum Wage.