New Oxford Living Wage amount for 2025/26 – Oxford City Council

OLW was launched in 2018 to help workers earn enough to meet the city's living costs, particularly given its status as one of the UK's most expensive cities. It is reviewed annually and set at 95% of the London Living Wage, which has recently increased to £13.85.  

The OLW recognition scheme is simple and free for employers to join. It promotes liveable earnings for all workers in the city and helps to make it easier to recognise the employers paying it.  

Over 130 businesses and organisations in the city signed up to pay their over 27,000 employees a fairer wage in 2023/24. 

The Council wants to encourage them all, as well as many new organisations, to commit to the new rate now and help to make the city a fairer place. 

Find out about the benefits of paying a living wage, and all the accredited employers on the City Council’s website.  

"I’m proud and pleased that over 130 Oxford employers have committed to the Oxford Living Wage this year. That’s the most we’ve ever had, but I hope even more will commit for 2025/26. 

“Paying a living wage makes a difference not just for employees but for Oxford as a whole. It helps employers attract talent and retain staff and it contributes to a fairer local economy. It also means that residents have more money to spend in other local businesses. 

"I invite any company, business or organisation who are considering paying the Oxford Living Wage to come and talk to us. Please do join our free accreditation scheme and work with us to make Oxford fairer for everyone." 

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council