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Become a real Living Wage and Living Hours employer

Last updated
7 Nov 2025

Accredited 'real Living Wage' and 'Living Hours Employers' commit to pay their workers fairly and provide secure, predictable working hours. 

Minimum wage rates

In the UK, hourly paid workers must receive either:

  • the minimum wage – for people aged 20 and under
  • the National Living Wage – for people aged 21 and over

These wages are set by the Government with help from businesses and trade unions. They’re reviewed every year. 

You can find the current minimum wage rates on GOV.UK.

What the real Living Wage is

The real Living Wage is different to the National Living Wage and the minimum wage.

It was set up by the Living Wage Foundation to encourage employers to pay wages that meet the cost of living. 

It's based on what workers need to afford to live in the UK. It's higher than the minimum wage rates set by the Government.

It's set by the Living Wage Commission and reviewed every year. 

Find out more about the real Living Wage on the Living Wage Scotland website.

Benefits of being a Living Wage Employer

Paying a Living Wage can improve your workers’ quality of life. It can also:

  • improve your business reputation
  • set your business apart from others in your industry
  • attract and keep talented workers
  • encourage productivity at work
  • improve mental health among your workforce
  • show your business’s commitment to social change

You can read more business benefits of paying the Living Wage, and hear from workers, on the Living Wage Scotland website.

How to get accredited

You can apply for Living Wage accreditation on the Living Wage Scotland website.

Living Hours

The Living Hours accreditation makes sure that workers have secure working hours.

To be a Living Hours Employer, you must give your workers:

  • a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week for all who want it
  • a contract that accurately reflects their hours
  • at least 4 weeks’ notice before shifts, with guaranteed compensation if you cancel shifts within 4 weeks

Find out more about what you need to be a Living Hours Employer on the Living Wage Scotland website.

Benefits of being a Living Hours Employer

Living Hours accreditation can show your business’s commitment to providing reliable work. It can:

  • improve your workers' wellbeing, meaning they’re more likely to stay in their jobs
  • reduce in-work poverty
  • prove your business is responsible by offering fair working conditions

How to get accredited

You can apply for Living Hours accreditation on the Living Wage Scotland website.
 

We are in a sector that is traditionally low paid and insecure. What first steps can we take?

Paying the Real Living Wage and secure, guaranteed work with reasonable notice periods (Living Hours) is vital to support a happy, diverse team to thrive.

First steps include understanding the RLW uplift and budgeting to benefit your team. Next, planning ahead to ensure that the RLW uplift can be maintained and guaranteed year on year is vital to offer stability. The impact of confirming shifts and honouring income with 4-weeks notice is proven to benefit low-income, single parents and working mothers in particular. This can be celebrated with Living Hours accreditation.

Offering well-paid secure work ensures long-term viability and a happy, secure team that thrives as part of your broader local community as the investment ripples to benefit all.

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