The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has announced a rise in the London Living Wage to £10.20 an hour. Joanne McCartney AM, who is the Mayor’s representative on the Living Wage Commission, has welcomed this decision as it will give a boost to hard working families across London, including in Enfield and Haringey.

The London Living Wage, which is set by the Living Wage Foundation and is separate to the Government’s National Living Wage will increase from £9.75 an hour to £10.20 an hour for workers over 25.

There has also been an increase in the number of London employers signed up to the scheme, with 1,502 now taking part. This is an increase of 470 in London in the past year.

The new rate was announced at an event at Lush’s headquarters in Central London where the headteacher of The Willow Primary School, Haringey spoke about the benefits of being a Living Wage Employer.

Labour London Assembly Member for Enfield and Haringey, Joanne McCartney AM, said: “As a Living Wage Commissioner, I am pleased with today’s announcement. Too many families are struggling with low pay and this will be welcome relief for many families across Enfield and Haringey.

“I hope that more employers across my constituency can pay their staff the London Living Wage so we can continue to fight in-work poverty. It is only right that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.

“It is also good for business too as they stand a better chance of succeeding when employees feel valued and fairly rewarded.”

Dawn Ferdinand, Headteacher of The Willow Primary School, Haringey said: “Being a Living Wage accredited employer has meant a lot to my school community.  It means that everyone who works for The Willow Primary School and Broadwaters Children’s Centre gets a fair hourly pay for their hard work.

“As the Headteacher of the school, I am proud that staff are valued for their contribution; I am such a strong advocate of the Living Wage because I see the difference it makes to my school staff and the impact it could have on those families struggling to make ends meet every day.”