The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a raft of increases to the national minimum and living wages, to take effect from 1 April 2023.  They will increase as follows:

✧ Apprentices & 16 to 17 year olds – £4.81 increasing by 9.7% to £5.28.

✧ 18 to 20 year olds – £6.83 increasing by 9.7% to £7.49

✧ 21 to 22 year olds – £9.18 increasing by 10.9% to £10.18

✧ Those who are 23 and over – £9.50 increasing by 9.7% to £10.42

These are the largest increases in years and represent a much-needed pay rise to millions of low-paid workers across the UK, all of whom will be reeling from the effects of the sharp increase in the cost of living that we are experiencing.  For a full-time worker on the highest of the above rates, the increase equates to nearly £150 extra (gross – prior to deductions) more per month.