Daniel Zeichner, Labour MP for Cambridge joined students and university staff for the beginning of National Living Wage Week as they campaign for the University of Cambridge to gain accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation. 

Today (6th November), Cambridge University Students’ Union staffed a stall outside Senate House to attract signatories to a ‘Grace,’ which is a formal proposal to be placed before Regent House. Accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation would mean that all staff including temporary workers and contractors would be paid the Real Living Wage.

Daniel says, “the University is a major employer in Cambridge and its accreditation to the Living Wage Foundation would be an important step forward for low paid workers across the City. 

The Real Living Wage is based on the cost of living, and with day-to-day prices increasing due to the uncertainty of Brexit it’s vital that we ensure employers in Cambridge pay their staff a fair wage.”

Graces have been used for centuries to shape decisions at Cambridge University. If the Grace gains over 50 signatories, it will then have to be considered by the University Council. 

Monday 6th November is the start of National Living Wage week, with the Living Wage Foundation announcing the new Real Living Wage of £8.75 per hour. Currently the government National Living Wage is set at £7.30 per hour for over 25s. More details can be found here.