Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has welcomed the news that 221,000 workers in the West Midlands have received a pay increase this year thanks to increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.
The rate rises include a 2.2 per cent increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time. In addition, for the first time since the National Living Wage came into effect in 2016, more younger people will be eligible as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years old.
The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010. The increases also affect those working who are under the age of 23, with a 2% increase for 21-22 year olds, a 1.7% increase for 18-20 year olds and a 3.6% increase to the Apprenticeship Wage.
These pay increases build on the unprecedented support the Government has delivered to protect jobs and livelihoods through the pandemic, including protecting 11.2 million jobs through the furlough scheme. Last month’s Budget also introduced new measures to cut down on the cost of living by freezing fuel duty for the eleventh consecutive year, saving an average car driver £12.84 per tank. In addition the Chancellor froze all alcohol duties, helping to support pubs and the hospitality sector as they prepare to reopen.
Welcoming the boost for local residents’ pay, Mark said:
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for families and workers across Rugby and Bulkington. As we recover from the pandemic, the Government is determined to support our lowest-paid workers by raising the National Living Wage. This increase will help millions of families in every corner of the country, while supporting businesses as we prepare to safely reopen our economy and build back better from the pandemic.”
Mark continued:
“These increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages will benefit over 200,000 people across the West Midlands, including many here in Rugby and Bulkington, giving them a much-needed pay rise as we ease restrictions and begin to return to normal.”
Mark concluded:
“I am particularly pleased that this year, to make sure the next generation isn’t left behind, everyone over 23 years old will also now be eligible. Young people have been hard hit by the pandemic and this pay rise will ensure that they have the security of a decent wage as people are able to return to work in line with the easing of restrictions.”