Thirty-five thousand workers will benefit from today’s 20p boost to the living wage — but more than five million will continue toiling for poverty pay.

The rate rise, announced to mark the start of living wage week, will see workers benefiting from the scheme outside London take home £7.85 an hour.

London’s £8.80 living wage will also be topped-up today — and a surge in the number of companies signed-up to the scheme will see some 60,000 workers across Britain pocket a fair day’s pay.