The Living Wage Commission was set up in January 2016 and draws from leading Living Wage accredited employers, trade unions, civil society and independent experts. The Commission oversees the calculation of the real Living Wage rates, providing a transparent decision-making forum to resolve specific judgments about how to incorporate policy changes and new sources of data into the calculation. It also advises on how to manage extreme year-to-year variations from general rises in living costs.

On his appointment as new Chair of the Commission, Professor Nick Pearce said: “I am delighted to take up the role of Chair of the Living Wage Commission. The Commissioners do really important work in setting and promoting the real Living Wage – a wage rate that employers and workers can rely on to meet the essential costs of living. It is a testament to the success of the Commission and the wider Living Wage movement that the real Living Wage is now paid by more than 16,000 UK employers to nearly half a million employees. Decent wages and secure work are good for businesses and good for their staff. I am really pleased to be able to play my part in this effort.”

Prof Pearce became Head of Policy and Director of the Institute for Policy Research in 2015 after previously being Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research between 2010 and 2015 and 2003 and 2007. He served as Head of Policy in the Prime Minister’s Office in No 10 Downing Street between 2008 and 2010, as well as Head of Strategic Policy and Senior Advisor on Children, Schools and Families; Skills and Universities in the No 10 Policy Unit between 2007 and 2008. Prior to this, he served as Special Advisor to the David Blunkett MP while Mr Blunkett was Home Secretary between 2001 and 2003 and Secretary of State for Education and Employment between 1999 and 2001.