Group recommends another increase in living wage ahead of Budget 2026

Over the past year, the Living Wage Technical Group says minimum living costs increased by 5.8% for a working-age single adult, with rents accounting for two-thirds of the rise

A living wage is the minimum income required for a single adult working full-time to achieve a socially acceptable minimum standard of living in Ireland. File photo

The living wage in Ireland should be set at €15.40 to help combat the rising cost of living, according to the Living Wage Technical Group (LWTG).

The figure reflects a 4.4% increase from last year’s rate of €14.75 and is €1.90 above the current national minimum wage, which currently stands at €13.50 per hour.