Minimum wage rises

AROUND two million of the UK’s lowest-paid workers will receive a “well-earned” pay rise from today with increases in statutory minimum wages.

The National Living Wage rises by 2.2% to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 a year for a fulltime worker, and will be given to 23 and 24-year-olds for the first time. The Living Wage Foundation said workers paid the voluntary ”Real Living Wage” will get £1,150 more over the coming year, and £3,800 in London, compared with those on the statutory rate.