Best Lives commits to the new Real Living Wage rate for support workers
Across the social care sector, pay has long been one of the hardest conversations to have. But at Best Lives, we want to be part of changing that, which is why we’re proud to confirm that all support workers are now paid at least £13.45 per hour, in line with the Real Living Wage rate for 2026/27.
That’s a 6.75% increase on our previous rates and a meaningful step in recognising what our colleagues give every single day.
Why this matters
The Real Living Wage isn’t a legal minimum. It’s a voluntary rate independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to reflect what people need to live on. Reaching that rate for our support workers is something we’re genuinely proud of.
According to Skills for Care’s latest pay data, 49% of care workers nationally were paid below the Real Living Wage in December 2025, a higher proportion than earlier in the same year. That means nearly half the social care workforce is working in one of the most demanding roles in the country without pay that keeps up with the real cost of living.
We think our colleagues deserve better than that, and this uplift is us putting that belief into action. Nearly 1,000 of our support workers across Merseyside, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester have received a meaningful increase in their take-home pay.
What John Allen, Chief Financial Officer, says:
“Renewing our commitment to the Real Living Wage rate for 2026/27 reflects the kind of organisation Best Lives is — one that values its people and invests in the colleagues who deliver our mission. We see first-hand the dedication our support workers bring to people’s lives, often in the most challenging circumstances, and it is only right that this is recognised through fair pay. This uplift is our values in action.”
“I’m thankful for the recent wage increase, and I’m grateful for this recognition of my work.”
Beryl Whiting, Support Worker at Best Lives
What we stand for
This uplift doesn’t sit in isolation. Best Lives is continually exploring ways to grow and develop our services, and we want our colleagues to grow with us. We offer a generous benefits package and a range of internal initiatives that our colleagues love to be a part of, because we know that feeling valued goes beyond pay packages.
The Living Wage Foundation has found that organisations paying the Real Living Wage rate report stronger recruitment and better retention. We believe the same principle applies here. When our colleagues feel supported, the people we support feel it too.
Come and work for us
Best Lives supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and other needs across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside. We’re looking for passionate support workers to join our team, and there’s never been a better time to start a career with us.
If you want to do work that really matters, check out our current support worker vacancies.