Buckingham Palace defends decision to advertise Windsor Farm Shop jobs at less than living wage

Two new jobs advertised to work on the Queen's estate in Windsor pay less than the living wage for staff.

The roles for a sales assistant and coffee shop assistant at the Windsor Farm Shop are advertised as paying £6,916 for 20 hours work per week, which is £6.65 per hour.

The salary is 15p above the UK minimum wage of £6.50 but £1 less then the suggested living wage of £7.65 outside London.

The living wage is based on the amount an individual needs to earn to cover the basic costs of living.

Situated on the edge of the Home Park, The Windsor Farm Shop, opened in 2001 as an outlet to sell locally-sourced goods from the royal estates.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "We do research on competitive salaries in the premier retail sector and the salary offered here matches the market median."

It adds the successful candidate would also receive a non-contributory pension, free lunch and a progressive salary.