Around 1.7 million workers aged 25 years and over are in line for a potential 4.2% pay rise this week as their hourly national living wage (NLW) rate will rise by up to 30p to £7.50
Around 200,000 workers aged 21 to 24 years old will also see their pay increase to £7.05 an hour as the national minimum wage rate is also increased.
Business minister Margot James said: ‘More than two million workers will receive an above inflation step up in pay, with some set for a £600-a-year pay rise.
‘Every worker in the UK is entitled to at least the NMW or NLW and we are determined that they get it.
‘From today, my clear message to everyone is to check your pay, talk to your boss and report underpayment to Acas.’
Recent government polling showed that 13% people earning under £15,000 check their pay less than every two months - if ever. It has launched a £1.7m advertising campaign encouraging workers to visit the campaign website www.gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more.
The research suggested in some cases workers received less than the NMW or NLW because employers wrongly included tips in pay, failed to pay for time spent travelling between work appointments or, for example, opening/closing shops, or incorrectly took payments for uniforms.
From 1 April 2017 the rates for:
- workers aged 25 years and over will be £7.50 per hour
- 21 to 24 year olds will be £7.05 per hour
- 18 to 20 year olds will be £5.60 per hour
- 16 to 17 year olds will be £4.05 per hour
- apprentices will be £3.50 per hour
