Since it was launched in 2001, people paid the "real" living wage have been paid more than £1 billion more than workers on the Government one, new figures suggest.
The Living Wage Foundation revealed more than 200,000 people had been lifted out of working poverty as a result of a growing number of firms agreeing to pay their rate.
Currently the Living Wage stands at £9 an hour in the UK, or £10.55 if you live in London. The rates apply to all those aged 18 or over. Here is a full list of the employers that pay it .
The Government's minimum wage - which the Tories have taken to calling the "National Living Wage" - stands at £8.21 an hour for for over-25s.
The the "Living Wage" is a completely separate entity set up by the Living Wage Foundation.
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: "We're delighted to announce that the living wage movement has now put over £1 billion pounds back into the pockets of low-paid workers, providing hundreds of thousands of workers with dignity and security.
"We talk to workers every day who tell us the difference a real living wage has made to them. Some have been able to cut back on overtime so they can get home to see their children before bedtime.
"For others it's meant they no longer have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table."
The Living Wage campaign began in east London, where cleaners working in the City worked multiple jobs and long hours on the minimum wage, and were struggling to keep their heads above water.
The rate covers essential items such as housing costs, food, transport and childcare, as well as purchases such as a winter coat for children.
