On Wednesday 24 June, Advice NI hosted an event in Clifton House Belfast to celebrate the launch of 'The Age of the Living Wage', a themed edition of VIEWdigital magazine guest edited by our very own Mary McManus.
The Economy Minister has welcomed the continued growth in the number of Real Living Wage Employers across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has the second highest rates of low pay in UK.
Northern Ireland has the second highest rate of employees paid below the Living Wage.
As we step into a new year, there’s a sense of possibility and renewal. For employers across Northern Ireland, 2026 offers an opportunity to make a powerful commitment—one that transforms lives, strengthens businesses, and builds a fairer society.
More than 5,000 people working for nearly 200 real Living Wage Employers in Northern Ireland are set for a vital pay boost, as the real Living Wage rates rise to £13.45 an hour across the UK (85p increase).
Their Living Wage commitment will see all employees receive a minimum hourly wage of £12.60 in the UK, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £12.21 per hour.
Living Wage NI is celebrating its first anniversary with a powerful milestone: 76 new employers accredited in just 12 months, 1,303 workers receiving a pay uplift, and now, a UK Living Wage Champion Award for a local employer setting new standards in fair pay.
In May 2025 Living Wage NI hosted a successful round table meeting to look at what has worked well from a policy perspective in Scotland and Wales.
Belfast Charitable Society has made history by becoming Northern Ireland’s first accredited Real Living Wage Funder—a bold move that strengthens its long-standing mission to tackle poverty and low pay across the community and voluntary sector.
