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National Living Wage increase sees pay rise for workers across the UK

• April 28, 2021

Millions of workers in all parts of the UK have received a pay increase from April 1st, as the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage uplift came into effect.

The rate includes a 2.2% increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91 - this is the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time. Furthermore, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years.

This rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking home a salary of £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.

From April 1^st, those over the age of 23 are eligible for National Living Wage. This applies to those from school leaving age to 22. This uplift is especially beneficial for workers in sectors such as hospitality, retail and cleaning.

The increases from April 1^st are as follows:

• National Living Wage (23+) has increased 2.2%, from £8.72 to £8.91

• National Minimum Wage (21-22) has increased 2%, from £8.20 to £8.36

• National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 1.7% from £6.45 to £6.56

• National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 1.5% from £4.55 to £4.62

• Apprentice Rate has increased 3.6% from £4.15 to £4.30

The changes to the National Living Wage have been well received. It is an important change and young people are now more fairly rewarded for their work. Throughout the pandemic the government’s priority has always been to protect jobs and incomes. And, indeed, many low paid workers have supported the country through these challenging times.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We know that the past year has been very difficult for businesses and families across the country. This pay rise will help support employees as we steadily reopen the economy and get more people back to work.”

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