The move by London’s busiest airport is part of the “Heathrow 2.0: Connecting people and the planet” strategy, under which Heathrow has pledged to build back better and greener, addressing both environmental and social challenges. 

Under the strategy, Heathrow will extend the London Living Wage to all 1,300 workers in its direct supply chain. The pay rise will provide a total boost of around £4.5 million for airport employees at companies such as outsourcer Mitie. 

“We are delighted that Heathrow has extended their payment of the London Living Wage to now include everyone within Heathrow’s direct supply chain. Heathrow’s move will provide a stable and secure rate that will ensure over 1,300 workers and their families earn what they need to get by. In the backdrop of rising costs of living and spiralling inflation, this extra financial buffer will prove even more important,” said Katherine Chapman, director at Living Wage Foundation. 

“We all ought to earn enough to support our lives, and I would encourage any business able to do so to consider accrediting with the Living Wage Foundation.”

Last month, store employees at supermarket Sainsbury’s and retailer Argos also saw their basic hourly pay increase amid the rapidly increasing cost of living.