April 12, 2011
Almost a million of the UK's poorest workers will welcome further increases to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) following a Government announcement this week.
Comments made by the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC), established to advise the Government on NMW rates, have been accepted by David Cameron's Government, and from October 1, 2011 the following increases will come into force:
The adult rate, 21 and over, will increase by 15p to £6.08 an hour;
The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 6p to £4.98 an hour;
The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to £3.68 an hour; and
The rate for apprentices will increase by 10p to £2.60 an hour.
"More than 890,000 of Britain’s lowest-paid workers will gain from these changes," said Business Secretary Vince Cable this week.
"They are appropriate - reflecting the current economic uncertainty while at the same time protecting the UK’s lowest-paid workers. I would like to thank the LPC for doing a good job in difficult circumstances."
Speaking after this week's announcement, David Norgrove, Chairman of the LPC, added: "We welcome the Government's acceptance of our recommendations. The Commission was again unanimous, despite all the economic uncertainties.
"We believe we have struck the right balance between the needs of low-paid workers and the challenges faced by businesses."
In combination with the increases, to help ease the burden on employers, the LPC's next report will consider the best way to give business greater clarity on future levels of the National Minimum Wage.
