...But retailers are noticeably absent from the list of those who pledge to pay staff more than £7.45 an hour.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has said companies who fail to pay employees a "living wage" minimum of £7.45 an hour (outside London) could be named and shamed if Labour wins the next election.

Mr Miliband said this week - designated the "living wage week" by the Living Wage Foundation and Citizens UK - that should he gain power, firms who pay below the set amount would not be allowed Whitehall contracts. The wage, which is £8.55 in London, does not have any legal force as yet and is considerably higher than the minimum wage, which is £6.19 for over 21s, £4.98 for 18 to 21-year-olds and just £3.68 for 16 and 17-year-olds.

During his speech, Mr Miliband said he wanted to make the living wage the new norm, and while Number 10 backed the idea of the living wage, it warned that Labour's plans to restrict Whitehall contracts could breach EU procurement law.

The latest annual living wage calculation saw the rate rise by 25p. Accredited living wage employers, listed on the Living Wage Foundation website, must implement the new rate within the next six months. High-profile retailers are noticeably absent from the list.