A Cornwall councillor has launched a petition to ensure that none of its staff are paid below the 'living wage' of £7.20 an hour.

 The living wage describes the minimum hourly wage necessary for an individual to meet their own or their family’s basic day-to-day needs including housing, food and clothing.

Jude Robinson, councillor for Camborne North, said: "People who work hard should not have to struggle to pay for essentials and the Council should take the lead in building a fair economy in Cornwall. The living wage can lift families out of poverty, reduce reliance on benefits and prevent people falling into debt."

The agreed formula which is calculated by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, combines aspects of the Minimum Income Standard calculation with aspects of the London Living Wage calculation. The first National Living Wage was published in 2011 and the rate is £7.20.

The rate will be calculated in future years using the agreed formula. Accredited Living Wage employers have six months from the date of the announcement to implement the new Living Wage across their organisation. 

The first Living Wage Week from 4 - 10 November wil be marked by events in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham as well as the petition in Cornwall. The Living Wage is backed by Ed Miliband, Labour Party Leader and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.