Boris Johnson has written to the five London-based Premier League football clubs to ask them to help tackle poverty pay in the capital.

The London Mayor has urged Chelsea, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Fulham to commit to a campaign designed to ensure club workers receive the London Living Wage, which has been set above minimum wage levels to reflect the true cost of living. In his letter, obtained by The Guardian newspaper, Johnson said: "Concerns have been raised with me about low paid workers at London's five Premier League football clubs.

"I have recently given a firm commitment to ensuring that all Greater London Authority staff are paid the London Living Wage. I am seeking support from all businesses and organisations in London to match my commitment. "It would set a superb example for your club to agree to pay your low paid workers the London Living Wage, and I urge you to do so."

In response, campaigns director at Fair Pay Network, Matthew Pennycook, said: "We welcome the Mayor's initiatives. In these turbulent economic times, the measures the Mayor supports will not only help alleviate poverty in the capital but are also proven to actually save money."