The campaign for a Living Wage is a movement of independent businesses, organisations and citizens who believe a fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.  We have been campaigning since 2001 to ensure that everyone can earn a real Living Wage that meets the cost of living, not just the government minimum.

THE ROOTS OF THE CAMPAIGN

The movement began at a meeting in East London, when the grassroots organisation Citizens UK brought together churches, mosques, schools and other local institutions to talk about the issues affecting their communities.

One issue came up again and again – low pay.

At the time the government’s minimum wage was just £3.70 an hour.Some people were working two or three minimum wage jobs and still struggling to make ends meet. The gap between the legal minimum and the amount needed for families to live on was having a big impact on employees and their family life. And nowhere more so than in London, where housing and childcare costs are much higher than in other parts of the country.