Millions got Living Wage rise

Up to five million people benefited from this year’s rise in the National Living Wage. The statutory minimum for workers aged 25 and over went to £7.83 an hour in April, and will go to £8.21 from next April.

The Low Pay Commission, which recommends the rates, said it heard from employers about how they had accepted lower profits or upped prices to deal with wage increases. However, the Government minimum is still well below the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended ‘Real’ Living Wage of £9 an hour across the UK and £10.55 in London for workers aged 18+.