Wage increase for low-paid workers

Millions of low-paid workers received a rise from Friday as national living wage rates increased.

The Government says around 2.5 million people will benefit from the largest-ever increase to the rates, putting £1,000 a year more into fulltime workers' pay packets.

The national living wage increased by 6.6% to £9.50 an hour for adults; 9.8% to £9.18 for 21 to 22-year-olds; 4.1% to £6.83 for 18 to 20-year-olds; 4.1% to£4.81for16to17-yearolds and 11.9% to £4.81 for apprenticeships.

Ministers said the increase will particularly benefit workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, cleaning and maintenance.

Bryan Sanderson, who chairs the Low Pay Commission, said: "Workers on the minimum wage care for our elderly and sick, harvest and deliver our food, and do a multitude of other tasks which help us all.

"Many public sector workers including for example teaching assistants will also shortly be included. They all deserve to be properly remuneratedand respected as key members of our society." Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation – which promotes the higher voluntary real living wage – said: "The rise is welcome news for low paid workers, but it remains significantly lower than a real living wage which is based on what it actually costs to live.

"With bills continuing to rise, many more are at risk of falling into financial hardship. If we're to weather this storm we need employers to take action now, step up, and provide a real living wage that meets everyday needs, giving security and stability for both employers and workers."