The UK government has confirmed the National Living Wage will rise to £11 from its current level of £10.42 an hour from next April.
There have also been promises for a review of the benefits system by the Conservative Party.
The £11 rate applies to workers aged 23 and above, with lower rates applicable for younger people.
These rates are proposed by the independent advisory group Low Pay Commission and the government has set a target for the National Living Wage to be at the level of two-thirds of the median hourly rate by October 2024.
There has been a significant increase in FM service providers becoming accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and working with clients to raise the rates of pay for workers.
Cleaning, security and catering sectors have been identified as being particularly affected by low rates of pay.
Corps Security chief executive officer Mike Bullock said: “I wholeheartedly support today’s announcement regarding the enhancement of the Real Living Wage. It is an essential step towards addressing the cost-of-living crisis that continues to impact many of the UK’s low-paid workers. The fact that 60% of individuals earning below the Real Living Wage have had to rely on food banks in the past year, with 39% regularly skipping meals due to financial constraints, is a stark reminder that this increase is a lifeline for countless individuals and families striving to make ends meet.
“As a Living Wage Employer, Corps Security has been a proud supporter of the Real Living Wage and we are committed to doing our part in ensuring that our employees receive fair pay. We have a collective responsibility as employers to provide our colleagues with the means to improve their quality of life. There is a business case, too. When employees are paid a decent wage, they are more productive, loyal, and dedicated, simply because they feel valued. Also, they can focus more on their work rather than worrying about their personal finances. Not only will this increase help to attract and retain the best people, but it’s the right thing to do, particularly given the pressures of modern-day life,” said Mr Bullock.
