London Living Wage: ‘My salary allows me to live, not just survive’

Adam Cozens is the co-founder of Perky Blenders, an independent speciality coffee company that employs 50 staff across east London.

“We track the London Living Wage, we think it’s a fantastic concept but it is getting quite unaffordable for the number of rises we’ve been seeing.

“It is pushing costs into the business, which ultimately means price rises,” he says.

The announced rise has come the week before the Budget is set to take place, with some businesses already having concerns over what support they will receive.

“One of the things that would really help hospitality and small businesses from the Budget is to have a look at how VAT is applied and when it’s applied,” Adam adds.

Still, for Luana earning the London Living Wage is incredibly important for her state of mind. She knows people who only get the National Living Wage and says many are struggling.

“I sometimes have to lend them money.

“Everyone could do with better pay… I think everyone should be given the Real Living Wage because it would enable them to live a better life,” she adds.