WINCHESTER University has been named a Living Wage Employer after boosting pay for contracted workers.

Starting this month, the university has extended the rate of £7.85 an hour to on-site workers employed by contractors.

It means cleaners and other agency staff will have the same basic rate as university employees, who have received at least the living wage for around two years.

The voluntary rate is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to reflect the basic cost of living in Britain.

Professor Joy Carter, vice-chancellor, said: “Achieving accreditation as a living wage employer is clearly in tune with the university’s values and ethos of inclusivity.

“By officially embracing the principle of paying a Living Wage to all, we can be sure that everyone who works here is fairly remunerated for their valuable contribution to our community; as many people [as possible] trying to get change and justice for what he deserved.”