National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates rise from today

Increases to both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage have come into force today.

The government said the uplift will benefit around 2.5m people, particularly those in hospitality, retail, and maintenance jobs.

The increases from today include:

• National Living Wage (the minimum wage for over 23-year-olds) is increasing from £8.91 an hour to £9.50
• National Minimum Wage (21 to 22-year-olds) is increasing from £8.36 an hour to £9.18
• National Minimum Wage (18 to 20-year-olds) is increasing from £6.56 an hour to £6.83
• National Minimum Wage (16 to 17-year-olds) is increasing from £4.30 an hour to £4.81
• Apprentice rate is increasing from £8.36 an hour to £8.70

Bryan Sanderson, chair of the Low Pay Commission, said: “The Business Secretary’s strong support is especially welcome at this difficult time. Workers on the minimum wage; care for our elderly and sick, harvest and deliver our food, and do a multitude of other tasks which help us all.

“Many public sector workers including for example teaching assistants will also shortly be included. They all deserve to be properly remunerated and respected as key members of our society.”

The government is committed to the target of the National Living Wage reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, and said today’s increase means it is on track to do so.