283,000 workers in the South East have received a pay increase this year thanks to increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage brought in by the Government.
The rate rises include a 2.2 per cent increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time.
For the first time since it came into effect in 2016, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years old. The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.
The Government remains committed to the target of the National Living Wage reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, and this increase allows progress to continue to be made towards it.
Other rate increases include:
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- A 2.0 per cent increase for 21-22 year olds, from £8.20 to £8.36 an hour.
- A 1.7 per cent increase for 18-20 year olds, from £6.45 to £6.56 an hour.
- A 1.5 per cent increase for under 18 year olds, from £4.55 to £4.62 an hour.
- A 3.6 per cent increase to the Apprenticeship Wage, from £4.15 to £4.30 an hour.
These pay increases build on the unprecedented support the Government has delivered to protect jobs and livelihoods through the pandemic, including protecting 11.2 million jobs through the furlough scheme, £18.9 billion to support 2.7 million self-employed workers to date, and billions of pounds in tax deferrals and grants for businesses.
Last month’s Budget also introduced new measures to cut down on the cost of living by freezing fuel duty for the eleventh consecutive year - saving an average car driver £12.84 per tank and a cumulative £1,600, and freezing all alcohol duties, saving drinkers £1.7 billion.
Commenting, Gillian Keegan, MP for Chichester said:
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for many people in the Chichester constituency especially for those in the lowest-paid industries, including hospitality and retail. These increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages will give people a modest but much needed pay rise as we steadily reopen the economy and get more people back to work.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“The National Minimum and Living Wages have increased every year since they were introduced, supporting the lowest paid, and despite the challenges we’ve faced recently, this year will be no different.
“That’s why we’re providing a well-earned pay rise to two million people, which will be a welcome boost to families right across the UK.
“To make sure the next generation isn’t left behind, everyone over 23 years old will also now be eligible.”
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:
“In this toughest of years, we’re protecting workers by putting more money in the pockets of the UK’s lowest paid.
“To support our next generation of workers, we’ve also lowered the age threshold for the Living Wage to 23 - ensuring even more people have the security of a decent wage.
“This increase will help millions of families in every corner of the country, while supporting businesses as we prepare to safely reopen our economy and build back better from the pandemic.
“I’d urge all workers to check their pay packet to ensure they’re getting what they are entitled to, and remind employers of their duty to pay the correct wage.”
