Workers to benefit from National Minimum Wage increase

WORKERS in Scotland are to benefit from the ‘ largest ever cash’ boost to the National Minimum Wage.

Around 200,000 workers across the country will receive a pay increase as the National Minimum Wage and National Living rise comes into effect from today.

The rate rises include a 9.8 per cent increase in the National Living Wage – taking it from £ 10.42 per hour to £ 11.44.

The £ 1.02 increase per hour is the ‘ largest ever cash increase’ to the National Living Wage.

The full increases from April 1, 2024 are:

The National Living Wage

( 21+) has increased 9.8 per cent, from £ 10.42 to £ 11.44 National Minimum Wage ( 18- 20) has increased 14.8 per cent, from £ 7.49 to £ 8.60 National Minimum Wage ( under 18) has increased by 21.2 per cent, from £ 5.28 to £ 6.40. Apprentice Rate has increased 21.2 per cent from £ 5.28 to £ 6.40 The Accommodation Offset also increased 9.8 per cent from £ 9.10 to £ 9.99.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Today’s announcement is an historic moment, as we end low hourly pay for those on the National Living Wage in the UK.

“Full- time workers on the National Living Wage now earn over £ 8,600 a year more since its introduction, as we continue to protect people’s income.

“Today’s increase will help around three million low- paid workers, supporting families in Scotland and across the UK.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The biggest ever rise to the National Living Wage that comes into force today will make a huge difference to around 200,000 hardworking Scots, with an increase of more than £ 1 an hour to £ 11.44.

“This comes on top of the second 2p cut to National Insurance, in addition to the first 2p cut in January, worth an average of

£ 680 extra per year to around 2.4million Scottish workers.”