A headteacher has voiced her support for the incresase in the London Living Wage.

Dawn Ferdinand, who works at The Willlow Primary School, in Tottenham, came out in favour of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s announcement that the London Living Wage is to go up to £10.20 per hour.

The headteacher spoke on the benefits of being a Living Wage Employer at an event held at the main office of cosmetic company Lush.

The new pay rate was made public at the same venue.

Ms Ferdinand, said: “Being a Living Wage accredited employer has meant a lot to my school community.

“It means that everyone who works for The Willow Primary School and Broadwaters Children’s Centre gets a fair hourly pay for their hard work.

“As the headteacher of the school, I am proud that staff are valued for their contribution.

“I am such a strong advocate of the Living Wage because I see the different it makes to my school staff and the impact it could have on those families struggling to make ends meet every day.”

Joanne McCartney AM, Labour London Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey, welcomed the decision.

She is the London Mayor’s representative on the Living Wage Commission.

Ms McCartney, said: “As a Living Wage Commissioner, I am pleased with today’s announcement.

“Too many families are struggling with low pay and this will be welcome relief for many families across Enfield and Haringey.

“I hope that more employers across my constituency can pay their staff the London Living Wage so we can continue to fight in-work poverty.

“It is only right that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.

“It is also good for business too as they stand a better chance of succeeding when employees feel valued and fairly rewarded.”

The Living Wage Foundation set the London Living Wage and is separate from the Government’s National Living Wage.

The London Living Wage will go up from £9.75 an hour to £10.20 an hour for workers over 25.

A growing number of employers are taking part in the scheme.

There are 1,503 accredited London employers; 470 more than last year.

Accreditation is administered by the Living Wage Foundation.

Accreditation means that employers can use the Living Wage mark.

Accredited employers promise to meet announced rises in the Living Wage within six months