WELSH universities are being urged to become Living Wage employers by Education Secretary Kirsty Williams.

In a letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) she has set out her expectations from the higher education sector, including the need for universities to pay their staff the Living Wage.

Currently only one Welsh university, Cardiff University, is an accredited living wage employer.

The Welsh Government has been an accredited Living Wage employer since 2015.

Mrs Williams said that she is "ambitious and confident" that higher education could deliver on the Welsh Government's "national mission" to offer opportunities for everyone in Wales.

"I would also like the Council to begin working with institutions to create a living wage sector. I expect to see rapid progress on this. It is disappointing that only one of our universities is an accredited living wage employer," she said.

“Universities’ commitment to a civic mission requires reach beyond campus and into their host communities. This is not restricted to teaching and research and widening access. It should be demonstrated in how they value their staff and students, and be an example of a progressive and fair employer.

“I would like to see HEFCW work with institutions on these matters, such as procurement, with an emphasis on efficiency, social responsibility and impact, and student, graduate and employer opportunities.”