Real Living Wage

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What it really means

A voluntary higher hourly rate, set by the Living Wage Foundation and based on the actual cost of living. It is not the same as the legal National Living Wage. Employers who pay it can call themselves an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Chinese explanation
真实生活工资：由 Living Wage Foundation 设定的自愿性更高时薪，按实际生活成本计算，与法定的 National Living Wage 不是一回事。支付这一标准的雇主可自称“认证生活工资雇主”。

Example conversation

A: This job pays the Real Living Wage, not just the legal minimum. B: That is a good sign — it usually means they treat staff well.
A：这份工作按真实生活工资付酬，不只是法定最低标准。 B：这是个好兆头——通常说明他们善待员工。

What you could say back

“Is the employer accredited by the Living Wage Foundation?”

Related phrases

National Living Wage National Minimum Wage Benefits package

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake