Mon, 10 Nov 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 Call for more employers to pay 'real living wage'

Campaigners are calling for more businesses to explore the benefits of paying the real living wage.
About 300 businesses employing around 15,000 people pay the real living wage in Cornwall. This wage is considered essential by many due to the high cost of living in the region. Truro Foodbank has seen a decrease in demand for their services since more employers began paying higher wages. However, the Federation of Small Businesses warns that some businesses may struggle to commit to paying the real living wage due to unpredictable cash flow caused by factors like weather conditions. The national minimum wage is set at £12.21, but campaigners argue it should be raised to £13.45. Many employers agree that paying higher wages can have benefits such as increased employee retention and reduced recruitment costs. One employer, Patrick Langmaid of Mother Ivey's Bay Holiday Park, says paying the real living wage has helped him attract and retain employees. A maintenance worker at the park credits the higher pay with improving his mental health and allowing him to live a better life. Some experts warn that businesses may have to make trade-offs if they choose to pay the real living wage, such as cutting staff numbers or reducing profits.
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