Diocese of Southwark adopts London Living Wage

This means that everyone who regularly works in the diocesan offices in Chapel Court off Borough High Street receives at least the London Living Wage of £9.15 per hour.

"The Diocese of Southwark is proud to join more than 1,000 employers nationwide who are determined to help people earn enough to provide their family with the essentials of life by paying the Living Wage, which more accurately reflects the real cost of living," said diocesan secretary Simon Parton.

Other local Living Wage accredited employers include both Southwark Council and Lambeth Council, as well as big companies like ITV and PwC.

12.9 per cent of full-time workers in London and 48.8 per cent of part-time workers earn less than the Living Wage – almost 800,000 people.

Last week the Mayor of London announced that the London Living Wage – which is calculated by economists at City Hall – would be raised by four per cent from £8.80 to £9.15.

The new London Living Wage is 41 per cent higher the National Minimum Wage.

"As one of the earliest supporters of the Living Wage initiative we welcome this rise," said Cllr Ian Wingfield, deputy leader of Southwark Council.

"Despite the huge financial pressures we face as a council, we will continue to ensure that all our staff are paid in accordance with the London Living Wage, delivering on our promise to create a fairer future in Southwark for all, and we continue to encourage all other employers based in Southwark to follow suit."