Living Wage Calculator UK 2015
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The UK Living Wage Calculator for 2015 helps you determine what constitutes a living wage in the UK for that year. This calculator uses the official 2015 rates and provides a clear comparison with the minimum wage.
What is the UK Living Wage?
The UK Living Wage is a voluntary rate of pay above the national minimum wage that is designed to meet the basic costs of living for a single person. It was introduced in 2016 but this calculator uses the 2015 rates for historical reference.
In 2015, the UK Living Wage was set at £9.30 per hour for adults aged 21 and over, and £7.20 per hour for those aged 18-20. These rates were intended to cover basic living costs including food, clothing, transport, and childcare.
Important Note
This calculator uses the 2015 rates for historical reference. For current UK Living Wage rates, please check the official Living Wage Foundation website.
How to Calculate the Living Wage
The UK Living Wage is calculated based on the cost of living in the UK. The Living Wage Foundation reviews the cost of living annually and sets a new rate accordingly. For 2015, the rates were set as follows:
Formula Used
Living Wage (2015) = £9.30 per hour (adults aged 21+)
Living Wage (2015) = £7.20 per hour (18-20 year olds)
To calculate the monthly living wage, multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked in a month (typically 160 hours for full-time work).
| Age Group | Hourly Rate (2015) | Monthly Rate (160 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 years | £7.20 | £1,152 |
| 21+ years | £9.30 | £1,488 |
Comparison with Minimum Wage
In 2015, the UK minimum wage rates were as follows:
| Age Group | Minimum Wage (2015) | Living Wage (2015) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-17 years | £5.03 | £7.20 | £2.17 |
| 18-20 years | £5.60 | £7.20 | £1.60 |
| 21+ years | £6.70 | £9.30 | £2.60 |
The difference between the minimum wage and the living wage shows how much more workers would need to earn to cover basic living costs. This gap highlights the importance of the living wage movement in ensuring fair wages for all workers.
FAQ
- What is the difference between the minimum wage and the living wage?
- The minimum wage is the legally required pay rate, while the living wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation to meet basic living costs. The living wage is always higher than the minimum wage.
- How is the living wage calculated?
- The living wage is calculated based on the cost of living in the UK, which includes essential expenses like food, clothing, transport, and childcare. The Living Wage Foundation reviews these costs annually to set the new rate.
- Is the living wage legally enforceable?
- No, the living wage is a voluntary rate. However, many employers choose to pay the living wage as a sign of commitment to fair wages and social responsibility.
- How does the living wage compare to other countries?
- The UK living wage is higher than the minimum wage but lower than the living wages in some other countries. For example, in 2015, the living wage in the UK was £9.30 per hour, while in Germany it was €10.50 per hour.
- Can I use this calculator for current living wage rates?
- No, this calculator uses the 2015 rates for historical reference. For current UK living wage rates, please check the official Living Wage Foundation website.