Minimum and Living Wage Rates Will Rise for Two Million Workers In The UK Today

Minimum and living wage rates will rise for two million workers in the UK today, with the living wage for over 25 year olds increasing from £7.83 to £8.21 an hour. However, living costs are rising simultaneously – bills including council tax, TV licence fee and gas and electricity prices are set to increase from this month. 
 
Minimum wage in the UK is among the highest compared to other advanced economies around the world and the Government has said it is “determined” to end low pay. However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) say that it remains too low, calling for workers between the ages of 21 and 24 to receive the same minimum wage rate as those aged 25 and over, and for the rate to be increased to £10 an hour.
 
Meanwhile, small firms are also facing a burden of new costs and tax requirements coming into force today, including increased rates to auto-enrolment pension contributions and new rules under the Making Tax Digital programme. Although some will benefit from cuts in business rates, the tax is still expected to cost companies in England £25bn overall in 2019-20, an increase of £206m.

ABC Comment: The government's National Living Wage (NLW) is theminimum pay per hour most workers aged 25 and over are entitled to by law. ... HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) can take employers to court for not paying the NMW/NLW. These rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission

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