City University London is to pay at least the London living wage on the renewal of third-party contracts, which includes those for cleaning and catering employees.
The university’s permanent employees are all paid above the London living wage, which was increased to £8.80 an hour from 4 November 2013.
Professor Paul Curran, vice-chancellor at City University London, said: “Some contractors with staff on our campus pay below the London living wage and this has been a source of comment by staff, students and local stakeholders.
“I have listened very carefully to these comments and, earlier this month, I decided that on renewal of third-party contracts, we will stipulate minimum pay rates at the London living wage.
“This is an expensive move to make, but is in line with an emerging trend among older universities in London.”
Giulio Folino, president of the Students’ Union, added: “We are very pleased that the university has stipulated that the London living wage should be paid in the new cleaning and catering contracts.
“The Students’ Union has worked alongside the university and the trade unions, and this decision will help change the lives of those most in need.”