Angela Rayner has said today’s boost to the minimum wage and living wage will help people in the same position as her when she started working.
The Deputy Prime Minister told Metro the changes coming into effect today will give millions the ‘pay boost they deserve’.
It represents a step towards changing the lives of those who are getting by on low pay like she once was, Rayner said.
But the impact of the rise could be hit by a number of tax and bill rises that are also coming into effect from today.
Rayner said: ‘Today will see millions of people get the pay boost that they deserve, including apprentices and young people.
‘Like so many people across the country, I started my working life on low pay, just trying to get by and get on. I got into politics to change that – which is exactly what we are doing.
‘Well-paid, high-skilled work is absolutely critical to grow our economy, as part of our Plan for Change.
‘For too long, hard work has not been rewarded – and this government is focused on turning the page for good – with better job security, more money in working people’s pockets and more cash being spent in our economy.’
Today’s increase in the living wage will mean workers who are eligible will make an extra £1,400 each year.
Those aged 21 and older on the national living wage will earn £12.21 an hour, up from £11.44.
Meanwhile, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds is being boosted from £8.60 an hour to £10 an hour – with the government planning to ultimately scrap age bands altogether.
The rate for apprentices and 16 to 17-year-olds is also being increased from £6.40 to £7.55 an hour.
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Speaking to Sky News this morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said wages on average are increasing more quickly than prices.
However, a raft of bill increases for energy, water and broadband are due to come into effect today which will make life more expensive.
The PM said: ‘I acknowledge that with bills coming in, people see that rise and that is a pressure.
‘That is why it’s so important we deliver on the national living wage, to make sure people are better off – £1,400, quite a significant amount of money for millions of workers.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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