The number of living wage employers in Lewisham has risen by 560 per cent since 2015, according to a new report.

The report was carried out by the Living Wage Foundation and Child Poverty Action group.

It showed that there are now 33 Living Wage employers in Lewisham as opposed to five in 2015.

Lewisham Council offers a one-off business rate discount to companies of up to £5,000 if they become accredited London Living Wage employers.

Councillor Joe Dromey, Cabinet Member for Policy and Performance said, "We are determined to tackle poverty in Lewisham and the Living Wage is a key part of this.

“We are encouraging employers to do the right thing and to pay at least the Living Wage and it's great to see so many taking this up.

“Nobody should have to live in poverty, so we are calling on every employer in Lewisham to take us up on our offer of a £5000 business rate discount, and go Living Wage."

Lewisham Council was the joint first Living Wage accredited council in the country in March 2012.