The drive for a so-called real living wage has won more than £1billion for workers since it was launched in 2001.
The Living Wage Foundation said more than 200,000 people had been dragged out of working poverty as a result of a growing number of firms signing up to pay the rate
It currently stands at £9 an hour for adults - £10.55 in London - higher than the current statutory figure of £8.21 for adults.
The campaign began in east London, where cleaners struggled to keep their heads above water doing multiple jobs and long hours.
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: "We're delighted to announce that the living wage movement has now put over £1bn 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."
