NATIONAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES – The £12.71 per hour increase comes into force from 1 April 

From April 1, the minimum living wage has risen by 4.1% to £12.71 an hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over, and the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour.

The Government said the increases are expected to benefit approximately 2.7 million workers nationwide and that the new rates will increase the earnings of a full-time employee on the national living wage by £900 a year.

Employees on the national minimum wage will see a £1,500 annual boost.

The minimum rate for 16 and 17-year-olds, as well as those on apprenticeships, will increase by 6% to £8 per hour.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in November’s Budget that she had accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission so that those on low incomes are “properly rewarded” for their work.