National Minimum Wage Increase

Leyland High Street

From today, over three thousand hardworking South Ribble residents will see more money in their pay packets. This means an extra £1,400 a year for a full-time worker on the National Living Wage. We promised to put more money in working people’s pockets, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

The increases in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates come into effect from April 1st 2025. These changes are part of the government's ongoing commitment to ensure fair pay for all workers, following the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission (LPC). The LPC's recommendations were accepted in full by the government last October, ensuring that the new rates reflect the current economic conditions and the need to support the lowest-paid workers.

Here are all the changes:

• 21+ year olds (National Living Wage): The hourly rate has increased from £11.44 to £12.21. This 6.7% increase means that full-time workers will see a significant boost in their annual earnings.

• 18–20 year olds (National Minimum Wage): The hourly rate has risen from £8.60 to £10.00, marking a substantial 16.3% increase. This change narrows the gap between the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage, reflecting the government's intention to extend the adult rate to younger workers in the future.

• 16–17 year olds & apprentices: The hourly rate has gone up from £6.40 to £7.55, an 18% increase. This adjustment ensures that young workers and apprentices receive fair compensation for their efforts.

These changes are designed to provide a real-terms pay increase for the lowest-paid workers, helping to improve living standards and reduce income inequality. The government remains committed to supporting workers and ensuring that everyone benefits from the country's economic growth.

I am proud that the government has delivered on our promise to put more money in working people’s pockets. This is just one of the many steps we are taking to build a fairer and more prosperous South Ribble.