Cambridge University is now an accredited living wage employer, with its new ‘Living Wage Commitment’ meaning staff at the historic academic institution will receive a minimum hourly pay rate of £9.50 in the UK or £10.85 in London.
Eilís Ferran, pro-vice-chancellor at University of Cambridge, said: “University of Cambridge staff are at the heart of everything we do as one of the world’s top global research-intensive universities. We are delighted to have been given accreditation by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage employer.”
She added: "Our commitment ensures wages will never be lower than the independent benchmark set by the Living Wage Foundation.”
The pay rise will be a substantial boost to the region, where data shows more than 448,000 workers – 19% of all jobs in the East of England – currently pay less than the real living wage.
Laura Gardiner, director at Living Wage Foundation, added: “We’re delighted Cambridge University believes a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”
So far, more than 7,000 employers have gained the Living Wage Foundation’s fair pay kite mark, with Cambridge University now joining the likes of Burberry, Barclays, Chelsea and Everton Football Clubs.
Since 2011, the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to more than 250,000 UK employees, putting more than £1.3 billion extra into their pockets.
