Watford FC said it will be paying its matchday casual workers at least the living wage as Labour politicians called on the football club to raise wages.

Following the Hornets success in reaching the FA cup final for the first time in 35 years, Watford Labour Party wants the club to start paying its employees, including third party match day staff, the real living wage of at least £9 an hour.

In response, a spokesman for Watford FC confirmed all permanently-contracted staff have "for some time been receiving a salary at least in line with the living wage".

He continued: “In addition, the club is rolling out the living wage across its matchday casual workers. Furthermore, we continue to encourage third-party suppliers and contractors to reflect this practise among their workforce.”

The living wage is higher than the government minimum wage of £7.83 for 25-year-olds, £7.38 for 21-year-olds and £6.15 per hour for 18-20 year olds.

Football clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton have already signed up to be Living Wage Employers.

But according to a report by Citizens UK, almost half of employees working at sports clubs across the UK earned below the real living wage.

Emma Kosmin, living wage campaigner and Labour candidate for the central ward in the borough council elections, said: “Across the UK, one in five employees earn less than the real living wage.

“As workers across the country feel the pinch, responsible employers can act now by stepping up and paying the real living wage.

“What is small change to employers like Watford FC can make a huge difference to families’ lives.”

Chris Ostrowski, Watford Labour parliamentary candidate, added: “Watford FC have achieved so much on the pitch this year.

“I hope they’ll do the right thing off the pitch and bring in the living wage for the staff who help

make match days at Vicarage Road so great.

“It would be a win for everyone in Watford, especially for the younger employees.”