THE lowest-paid health workers in Wales will receive the real living wage following a union campaign.

NHS staff will now be paid the independent Living Wage Foundation’s minimum of £9.30 an hour, up from the British government's national living wage of £8.21.

The Welsh Assembly agreed to consider introducing the higher minimum in 2017 as part of its “tackling poverty” agenda.

“This is good news for NHS workers,” said Tanya Palmer, Wales regional secretary of public service union Unison, which has been involved in negotiating the new minimum.

"It is only right those helping to care for us when we are in poor health are fairly paid.

“Paying the independently-set Foundation Living Wage of £9.30 per hour will give healthcare workers more control over their lives and keep them and their families out of poverty.

“As a key employer in Wales, it is important for the NHS to set an example as a good employer to other businesses and organisations in our community,” Ms Palmer said.