IT was no coincidence that the recent increase in the UK Living Wage was announced in York. This is the city of Joseph and Seebohm Rowntree. The charitable foundation Joseph founded – and which bears his name – is still based here, still working to highlight the ills of poverty. Nestlé itself – which took over Rowntrees – is now a principal partner of the Living Wage Foundation.

We are proud York remains at the forefront of the fight against poverty, and delighted that a major employer such as Nestlé should have thrown its weight so publicly behind the Living Wage.

This now stands at £7.85 – well above the national minimum wage of £6.50. We would love to see more large and small companies following Nestlé’s example. We do recognise, however, that for some businesses, paying the Living Wage is still, for now, not achievable.

In this newspaper today, three small businesses debate the question. While they stress that paying staff decently ensures a loyal and happy workforce, there is also a recognition that not all employers can afford the Living Wage.

Salaries are often the biggest cost. No-one wants to see companies forced out of business.

Caroline Lewis has always paid staff at her delicatessen more than the Living Wage. But she accepts not all firms can afford to.

“For some, having work, even if not well paid, is better than the alternative,” she said.

We agree. The Living Wage is a noble aspiration – something employers should aim for. But it shouldn’t be forced upon them.