Starting on April 1, major changes to the National Minimum Wage will come into effect and millions of workers will earn more money.
From next month, the minimum wage will see a 6.6% rise — increasing from £8.91 per hour to £9.50.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, approximately two million workers across the UK will benefit from a pay bump.
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According to the UK Government, the 59p-per-hour increase means that full-time employees on the living wage will get paid over £1,000 more each year.
However, rates will be different for those under the age of 21 who receive the National Minimum Wage instead.
The new hourly wage for these people starting April 1 will be as follows:
- £8.36 to £9.18 for 21-22 year olds
- £6.56 to £6.83 for 18-20 year olds
- £4.62 to £4.81 for 16-17 year olds
- £4.30 to £4.81 for apprentices
The UK Treasury confirmed in October ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget that the increase for all over-23s will take place on 1 April 2022.
Some have criticised the new minimum wages, questioning to what extent workers would be better off amid a surging cost of living and rises to inflation and National Insurance.
Mr Sunak said: “This wage boost ensures we’re making work pay and keeps us on track to meet our target to end low pay by the end of this Parliament.”
According to the MEN, questions will remain as to whether to wage hike is sufficient to help families who are struggling the most at the moment.
In December 2021, inflation soared to 5.4 per cent - the highest rate since March 1992 - and experts have warned that the cost of living will continue to climb over the next few months.
People have been hit by steep increases in the cost of energy bills as well as essentials like food and clothes.
