MP for Boston and Skegness welcomes minimum wage rise

Around 188,000 workers in the East Midlands have received a pay increase to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, brought in by the Conservative Government

The rate rises include a 2.2 per cent increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91, the equivalent of

more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time.

And for the first time since it came into effect in 2016, more younger people will be eligible for the

National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years old.

The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking

home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.

Other rate increases include:

o A 2.0 per cent increase for 21-22 year olds, from £8.20 to £8.36 an hour.

o A 1.7 per cent increase for 18-20 year olds, from £6.45 to £6.56 an hour.

o A 1.5 per cent increase for under 18 year olds, from £4.55 to £4.62 an hour.

o A 3.6 per cent increase to the Apprenticeship Wage, from £4.15 to £4.30 an hour.

Commenting, Matt Warman said: “This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for workers across Boston and Skegness, but as we recover from the pandemic, this Conservative Government is determined to put more money into the pockets of our lowest-paid workers.

“These increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages will benefit around 188,000 people

across the East Midlands, giving them a much needed pay rise as we steadily reopen the economy

and get more people back to work.

“This will help to protect the lowest paid and put more money in the pockets of hard-working families –

supporting our recovery as we build back better from this pandemic.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The National Minimum and Living Wages have increased every year since they were introduced, supporting the lowest paid, and despite the challenges we’ve faced recently, this year will be no different.

“That’s why we’re providing a well-earned pay rise to two million people, which will be a welcome

boost to families right across the UK.

“To make sure the next generation isn’t left behind, everyone over 23 years old will also now be eligible.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “In this toughest of years, we’re protecting workers by putting more money in the pockets of the UK’s lowest paid.

“To support our next generation of workers, we’ve also lowered the age threshold for the Living Wage

to 23 - ensuring even more people have the security of a decent wage.

“This increase will help millions of families in every corner of the country, while supporting businesses

as we prepare to safely reopen our economy and build back better from the pandemic.

“I’d urge all workers to check their pay packet to ensure they’re getting what they are entitled to, and

remind employers of their duty to pay the correct wage.”