National Minimum and Living Wage rise

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage have risen from today (1st April), giving a pay rise to around 2.5 million people in the UK.

Statutory minimum rates of pay will rise from between 4-12% per hour. Earners receiving the National Living Wage (those aged 23 and over) will see a 6.6% increase to £9.50 per hour, the largest rise since the rate was introduced in 2016. The National Minimum Wage will increase to between £4.81 and £9.18, depending on age, while apprenticeship pay will jump by nearly 12% to £4.81 per hour, bringing it in line with the minimum wage for under 18s who make up the bulk of apprentices.

The North-west is the UK region where the rise will have the most impact, as more people than any other nation or region, 295,000, earn only the statutory minimum level.

The latest rise in the National Minimum and Living Wage is expected to add an average of £1,000 a year more into full-time workers’ pay packets. The annual earnings of someone earning the National Living Wage has now increased by approximately £5,000 since the rate was first introduced in 2016.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

“We have never been more determined to make work pay, and by providing the biggest cash increase ever to the National Living Wage from today, we are giving a boost to millions of UK workers.

“While no government can control the global factors pushing up the cost of everyday essentials, we will absolutely act wherever we can to mitigate rising costs.

“With more employees on the payroll than ever before, this government will continue to stand up for workers.”

In line with the increase, the government has launched a communications campaign to help lower earners understand their rights on pay and other legal entitlements, including how to address concerns that they are being underpaid.

Workers across the UK are being urged to check they are being paid properly by visiting the Check Your Pay website, which also offers advice on what to do if you are being underpaid.

The statutory minimum rates of pay, however, remain below the figure calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to meet cost of living expenses. In November, the organisation set its Voluntary Living Wage at £9.90 for all over 18s, or £11.05 for workers in London.