Real Living Wage Supplement FAQs

The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly rate based on the cost of living in the UK and set annually by the Living Wage Foundation.

Living Wage Foundation

The LRLW Supplement is a non-contractual payment applied by the University to ensure eligible colleagues receive at least the Real Living Wage, where substantive salaries would otherwise fall below this level.

The supplement also ensures pay differential at our lowest pay points anchored at the national RLW value.

Under the revised structure, the LRLW Supplement is payable to colleagues on spinal points F7 to F18 where the payment of the Real Living Wage has resulted in pay compression and lack of distinction between these spine points.

The review responds to:

  • national changes to pay scales, including the removal of spinal points 5 and 6;
  • rapid increases in the Real Living Wage;
  • concerns about pay compression at the lower end of the scale.

The aim to to maintain fairness, progression and consistency across the pay structure.

Key changes include:

  • a revised LRLW Supplement structure;
  • clearer differentiation between spinal points;
  • a 0.9% increase between each relevant spinal point;
  • alignment with national sector pay changes.

The revised LRLW Supplement will take effect from 1 May 2026.

No, The LRLW Supplement is non-contractual and may be adjusted or withdrawn following future reviews.

No. The supplement does not affect your job grade, which continues to be determined through the University's job evaluation process.

Yes. The supplement counts as pay and is therefore subject to tax, national insurance and pension deductions where applicable.

The supplement is reviewed annually, normally alongside the cost-of-living increase applied from 1 August, and in line with future RLW updates.

All figures are shown on a pro rata basis for part-time colleagues.

If you have further questions, please contact hr.services@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk