National Minimum and Living Wage rates go up from today

Around 2.5 million people in the UK will receive a pay rise from today (1st April) in line with increased National Minimum and Living Wage rates. Apprenticeship pay rates will also rise.

The uplift in wages will see the National Living Wage (for workers aged 23 and above) rise to £9.50 per hour, a 6.6% increase and its largest since the higher rate was first introduced. Apprenticeship rates will also rise by nearly 12% to £4.81 per hour, while National Minimum Wage will increase to between £4.81 and £9.18, depending on the employee’s age.

The increase is of particular significance in the North-west, where more people than in any other UK nation or region, 295,000, earn the statutory minimum.

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.