Marvin OnumonuMore than 16,000 employers across the UK have now committed to paying the real living wage, according to the Living Wage Foundation.
A study from Cardiff Business School found over half a million workers have received pay rises through the Living Wage scheme since 2011.
Recent sign-ups include Barts NHS Trust, Queen’s University Belfast, the National Theatre and the Imperial War Museum.
Other employers already paying the real living wage include Ikea, Aviva and Fred Perry.
The study found that the real living wage has put over £3.8bn into the pockets of the UK’s lowest-paid workers, with 15% of staff getting an hourly pay rise of 20% or more.
Employers saw modest but positive changes such as a better reputation and improved HR outcomes.
The research also found the scheme supported other efforts against low pay, like union engagement and collective bargaining.
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “We are proud to reach the milestone of 16,000 accredited Living Wage Employers across the UK with Barts NHS Trust, Queen’s University Belfast and the National Theatre joining the Living Wage movement.
“Despite uncertain economic times, the Living Wage movement continues to grow across a range of sectors – it shows what’s possible when civil society and business come together to drive up standards, and create work that works for everyone.”
Edmund Heery, professor emeritus at Cardiff Business School and co-author of the study, said: “Our research shows the Living Wage movement has had a meaningful impact on some of the lowest-paid workers in the UK.
“It has also contributed to wider improvements in employment standards and has worked to complement the efforts of trade unions, local authorities and employers themselves.
“It’s a model of civil regulation that shows what’s possible when civil society comes together to drive positive change.”
