A breakfast event was celebrated by employers and a citizens group to discuss ways businesses and families can benefit from the Living Wage.

Redbridge Citizens and Ilford MPs Wes Streeting and Mike Gapes hosted the breakfast to discuss how paying the ‘real’ living wage is good for business, employees and for society.

The event on Monday, November 7, was held to mark national Living Wage Week.

The government has said all workers over the age of 25 are legally entitled to earn at least £7.20 per hour, labelling it the ‘national living wage’.

But critics say the ‘real living wage’, which is calculated based on living costs and stands at £9.75 per hour is a fairer pay system.

One in five workers in London are paid less than £9.75 an hour.

Daniel Mackintosh, of Redbridge Citizens, said all people living in the borough should not be struggling and should earn a wage they can live on.

He said: “It was great to have the support of local MPs Wes Streeting and Mike Gapes, in our joint campaign for the Living Wage.

“Everyone in Redbridge deserves a wage they can live on, and the Living Wage can help make this a reality.”

Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, said he will work with employers to encourage them to sign up to the Living Wage.

He said: “The Living Wage has the power to help transform living standards for workers and their families.”

“It was great to hear from so many local employers about their thoughts on the real Living Wage and I’m looking forward to working with local businesses to get them signed up.”

Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, said the Living Wage is particularly important these days, when families are struggling to get by with the rising cost of living.

He said: “At a time when so many people on low incomes are struggling to make ends meet, the Living Wage has the potential to make a real positive difference in people’s lives.”

“Today I was proud to make the case for the Living Wage alongside Redbridge Citizens as a practical step towards improving living standards across Redbridge.”

Redbridge Council, Redbridge College and Redbridge Sport and Leisure centre were among the employers in the area who attended the breakfast.