John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates for next financial year.
The Government has once again accepted all of the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission (LPC). An independent body with representatives from business, worker and academic communities, which considers a range of analysis and stakeholder evidence before making its recommendations.
The Government has accepted the following proposed rates from the Commission, which will apply from April 2024:
- A £1.02 (9.8%) increase in the National Living Wage, from £10.42 to £11.44. The Low Pay Commission has also recommended that eligibility for the National Living Wage be reduced from 23 to 21.
- A £1.11 (14.8%) increase in the 18-20 National Minimum Wage, from £7.49 to £8.60
- A £1.12 (21.2%) increase in the under 18 National Minimum Wage, from £5.28 to £6.40.
- A £1.12 (21.2%) increase in the Apprentice National Minimum Wage, from £5.28 to £6.40.
- Commenting, John said, “I welcome the Chancellor’s announcements on the national living wage and national minimum wage. The new rates which come into effect next April, will mean that a full time worker in Carlisle on the National Living Wage will see their gross annual pay increase by around £1,900.
I am very pleased that these new rates will meet our manifesto commitment for the National Living Wage to equal two-thirds of median earnings, and become available to workers aged 21 and over, thereby putting an end to low hourly pay in the UK – an achievement to be proud of.”
The Low Pay Commission is an expert and internationally renowned body, which makes its decisions based on consensus between its employer, worker and academic representatives. The Commission takes into account the impact of cost of living challenges on workers, affordability for business and the state of the wider economy; their expert and diligent approach ensures that the best possible balance is struck between the needs of workers and businesses.