The number of Real Living Wage employers in Northern Ireland increased from 82 to 212 over the past two years. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced the growth at the Imagine Belfast Festival.

Living Wage NI launched in 2024 as a partnership between Advice NI and the Living Wage Foundation to assist employers with fairer pay. The Department for the Economy funds the initiative to raise awareness and accreditation among employers.

Dr Archibald praised Advice NI and Living Wage NI for leading promotion of the Real Living Wage. She noted that the 212 employers deliver over 5,000 pay increases annually to workers and households.

The minister stated that more employers adopting the wage supports staff retention, wellbeing, and a productive workforce. She urged additional businesses to join.

Mary McManus, Regional Manager of Living Wage NI, said nearly one in six workers in Northern Ireland earn below the Real Living Wage. She called on local employers to commit to the standard.