One company has made the decision to implement an early wage increase for its employees, a move that has been well-received by the staff who believe the extra money will be beneficial as the holiday season approaches.
The Real Living Wage, which is a voluntary pay scheme for workers aged 18 and above employed by Living Wage Foundation signatory companies, is designed to reflect the cost of basic necessities like food, clothing, and household expenses.
Under the new rates, the hourly wage will go up by 85p to £13.45, a 6.7% increase, and by 95p to £14.80 in London, representing a 6.9% rise. These rates surpass the minimum wage requirements set by law.
The Real Living Wage is applicable to all employees aged 18 and above working for Real Living Wage-certified employers, of which there are now more than 16,000.
While the deadline for employers to implement the increased rates is May 2026, Eland Cables, a provider of electrical cables for major infrastructure projects, has decided to introduce the raise early, ahead of schedule.
Ben, a 34-year-old father of two from Doncaster who has been with Eland Cables for several years, is among the many employees benefiting from the advanced wage hike. He expressed his appreciation for the move, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on his living expenses, especially with Christmas approaching.
JS Pelland, the executive director of Eland Cables, explained that the decision to roll out the new Real Living Wage sooner rather than later is driven by principles of fairness, loyalty, and long-term success.
He highlighted that prioritizing fair pay for employees has always been a core belief of the company, emphasizing the role of well-compensated and engaged staff in delivering quality and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Eland Cables has experienced a significant boost in staff retention, a decrease in sickness absences, and improved productivity since adopting the Living Wage Plus policy for all employees. The company’s turnover has also seen substantial growth, reaching over £300 million in 2025 from £107 million in 2020.
Moreover, Eland Cables promotes internal career progression, with examples of employees starting at entry-level positions and advancing to managerial roles within the company.
Mr. Pelland emphasized that fostering a sense of commitment and inclusion among employees has been instrumental in enhancing consistency, quality, and trust, all vital elements in their industry.
