Boost for 2.1m UK workers with largest National Living Wage increase

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage have both increased as of today (April 1) affecting over 2 million workers.

The National Living Wage sees an increase of 4.9 per cent from £7.83 to £8.21 an hour, the largest increase since its introduction.

The National Minimum Wage has gone up by 4.3 per cent for workers aged 21 to 24, 4.2 per cent for ages 18 to 20 and a 3.6 per cent for 16 to 17 year olds, as well as a 5.4% increase for apprentices.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, commented: “This government is dedicated to increasing the wages of the lowest paid which is why we introduced the National Living Wage and have continued to increase the National Minimum Wage rates – all of which will rise again today and benefit millions of workers.”

In addition to the wage increases, from April 6 all employees will have the right to payslips, including casual and zero-hour contract workers, and maximum employment tribunal fines for employers will quadruple from £5,000 to £20,000.

The news comes as household bills such as energy and TV license are set to increase, and with the government is looking for National Living Wage to reach 60% of median earnings by 2020, businesses are being encouraged to set an example in raising wages.

Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, explained: “Over 5,000 responsible employers have gone beyond the government minimum and committed to pay a real living wage.

“We now need to see more businesses step up and provide a wage that truly covers the cost of living.”

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