London’s Lib Dems welcomed the announcement earlier this week that London’s living wage will rise from £8.30 to £8.55 and that nearly 200 employers in London are committed to paying it.
 
One leading Lib Dem said: “This is a welcome announcement by the Mayor.  This is one issue where the Mayor is certainly doing the right thing. The arguments for the London living wage of reducing staff turnover and increasing motivation and loyalty are now well proven. However there is still so much that can be done in both the public and private sector to end the scandal of so many Londoners receiving poverty wages.
 
“At City Hall the Mayor also needs to ensure that TfL and the London Fire Brigade move towards being fully accredited employers.  It is time the Metropolitan Police Service also signed up to the London living wage.  However, the biggest progress by far needs to be made in the private sector.  It is time major hoteliers and high street chains signed up and played their role in tackling the scourge of poverty pay.”