Millions of the lowest paid workers across the UK will receive a pay increase as the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rise comes into effect - including residents in Birkenhead.
- The National Living Wage will see an increase of 9.7%, up to £10.42 for workers aged 23+, as well as an increase for younger workers on the National Minimum Wage
- The uplift – worth £1,600 more for a full time worker – will benefit workers in industries like retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance
- On 10 April, Universal Credit will be going up by 10.1% and the State Pension will also rise by 10.1%. This means the New State Pension will be £203.85 a week and the old State Pension will rise to £156.20.
This increase is the largest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage, and highest increase in percentage terms since its introduction in 2016, helping to protect the incomes of millions of workers from high cost-of-living.
Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "This government is doing everything it can to support hardworking people with the cost of living – from paying energy bills to helping with childcare.
“Today we are now increasing the National Living Wage to record levels, boosting the incomes of almost 3 million people.
“This pay rise will help families across the country, as we focus on our five priorities, including growing the economy and halving inflation.”
The full increases from 1 April 2023 are:
- National Living Wage (23+) has increased 9.7%, from £9.50 to £10.42
- National Minimum wage (21-22) has increased 10.9%, from £9.18 to £10.18
- National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 9.7%, from £6.83 to £7.49
- National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 9.7%, from £4.81 to £5.28
- Apprentice Rate has increased 9.7% from £4.81 to £5.28
- The Accommodation Offset also increased 4.6% from £8.70 to £9.10
The 9.7% increase to the National Living Wage today keeps the Government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the National Living Wage to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, provided economic conditions allow.
The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage have increased every year since their introduction – and this year, there is no exception. The Government is committed to providing both workers and businesses with certainty as we deal with cost-of-living challenges.
The 2023 National Minimum Wage for 21 and 22 years is 52% higher and the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is 60% higher than the 2015 rates.
