Housing association L&Q has been accredited as a living wage employer as part of its commitment to ensuring that its 3,500 employees, and those working on its behalf, earn a real living wage.
L&Q houses 250,000 people, primarily across Greater London and Greater Manchester. Its supply chain covers construction, property services and corporate functions.
As a result of the commitment, everyone working for L&Q will receive a minimum wage of £12.60 per hour for those based across the UK or £13.85 for those located in London. Both of these rates are higher than the government minimum for those aged 21 and above, which currently stands at £12.21 per hour.
L&Q has been paying the Living Wage Foundation’s rates to its directly employed colleagues for more than 10 years. As part of its accreditation, the organisation has also committed to only work with suppliers and contractors which also pay the real living wage from 1 April 2028. This ensures its fair pay aim extends across its supply chain.
The Living Wage Foundation’s real living wage rate is independently calculated based on the cost of living and rises annually based on living costs. It gives employers the confidence they are paying a wage that meets everyday needs, not just the government minimum.
Tom Nicholls, executive group director, human resources at L&Q, said: “We’re proud that L&Q has joined the living wage movement. As a not-for-profit organisation, social purpose is at the heart of everything we do, from providing quality, affordable homes to creating lasting positive change in the communities we serve.
“Our commitment to the real living wage extends beyond our employees. By working with our supply chain to ensure fair pay which meets the cost of living, we can help tackle in-work poverty and boost local economies across Greater London and Greater Manchester.”
