Living-wage campaigners hailed a victory yesterday as the body representing 4,700 church schools agreed to “strongly encourage” its members to increase pay packets for support staff.

The National Society will give a “step-by-step guide” for implementing fair wages to Church of England schools in partnership with public-sector union Unison.

The news follows a motion passed by church bigwigs condemning “the widening gap between rich and poor” and concluding that “paying a living wage lifts people out of poverty.”

Archbishop of York John Sentamu, who chairs the Living Wage Commission, said: “Church of England schools were set up more than 200 years ago to serve the poor and marginalised and they have always been committed to treating staff and pupils fairly.

“This new agreement with Unison will reward schools with Living Wage accreditation for their commitment to treating staff fairly.”

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Schools and heads are under a lot of pressure and that is why Unison wants to make it easier for them to win Living Wage accreditation by producing a step-by-step guide. Having that accreditation sends out a strong message that this school is one that takes its responsibilities to its staff and the wider community seriously.

“Given the Church of England’s commitment to the living wage, I’m delighted that we are able to recommend the step-by-step implementation plan to help schools win Living Wage accreditation.”