Cleaners and porters working at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden have won their battle to secure the London living wage, which represents an increase of over a quarter on their current salary.

The workers, who are employed by subcontractor Mitie, have worked with trade union Unite to negotiate a 26 per cent pay increase. From 1 April, 50 porters and cleaners will get the London living wage of £8.80 an hour.

Unite regional officer Carolyn Simpson said: “The curtain has come down on poverty wages at the Royal Opera House. It’s astounding that we had to fight for workers at one of the world’s most prestigious venues just to get them a living wage.

“The world’s elite can pay hundreds of pounds for a ticket but the bosses resisted paying cleaners and porters the bare minimum it takes to get by in London.

“The cleaners and porters at the Royal Opera House deserve this boost in pay and we are happy that they have also recently secured trade union recognition through their union Unite.”

A spokeswoman from the Royal Opera House said: “I can confirm that following negotiations between ourselves, our contractor Mitie, and Unite, it is has been agreed that Mitie cleaners and porters at the ROH will be paid £8 from 1 February and £8.80 from 1 April.”