North Acton Square Becomes UK's First Living Wage Zone
Every business in the area is now an accredited employer
North Acton Square employees with local councillors. Picture: Ealing Council
September 22, 2026
North Acton Square has been recognised as the UK's first Living Wage Zone, with every business operating on the newly created public square accredited as a Living Wage employer.
The designation means workers employed by businesses on the square are paid at least the London Living Wage, a rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation according to the cost of living in the capital.
North Acton Square was created over the past year on the site of a former petrol station. It now has six retail units and has hosted markets, live music and film and sports screenings during the summer.
The square was developed by The Republic Community Projects, which is itself an accredited London Living Wage employer. Its director, Johnny Brewin, said the Living Wage Zone status was intended to complement the site's wider role as a community space.
“We are very proud that North Acton Square is the UK’s first Living Wage Zone,” he said.
“The square was created as an affordable place for small businesses, makers, and community organisations, so it feels entirely appropriate that it should also champion fair pay. London is an expensive place to live.”
Mr Brewin said the initiative was intended to encourage discussion between businesses, workers and the wider community about employment and the local economy.
“So many people in the area work hard but do not always receive the recognition or security they deserve,” he said. “I hope the zone will make fair pay visible, and will begin conversations between businesses, workers, and the wider community about the kind of local economy we want to create.”
The Living Wage Zone was formally launched at an event attended by Ealing Council leader Peter Mason, who spoke about the significance of the accreditation and the council's ambition to increase the number of Living Wage employers across the borough.
The North Acton development follows Ealing's designation as a Living Wage Place in 2024. The council says there are now more than 150 accredited Living Wage employers across the borough, employing more than 16,000 workers who receive at least the London Living Wage.
The Living Wage Foundation says employers that adopt the Living Wage can benefit from improved recruitment and staff retention, as well as increased productivity and employee wellbeing.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council's cabinet member for decent living incomes, said the creation of the country's first Living Wage Zone demonstrated how fair pay could form part of regeneration and business development.
“North Acton Square demonstrates how fair pay can be integrated into regeneration and business growth, helping to create sustainable employment opportunities and stronger communities,” he said.
Lydia Ephraim, senior project manager at the Living Wage Foundation, said the Zone accreditation went beyond individual businesses.
“The Zone accreditation goes further, with a commitment that everyone working on the site, whether directly or as a third party, will be paid at least the London Living Wage, now and in the future,” she said.
The Living Wage Zone designation comes as North Acton Square continues to develop its programme of community and cultural events, alongside its six retail businesses.
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