Pay rise for 160,000 workers in Wales from today

Thousands of workers across Wales will see a pay rise from today as new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates come into force.

The changes, which took effect on Monday 1 April, will see up to 160,000 of Wales’ lowest-paid workers benefit from increased wages. A full-time worker on the National Living Wage will see an annual pay rise of around £1,400.

The uplift forms part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to improve living standards, increase financial stability, and support economic growth by putting more money into workers’ pockets.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay and the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, we are delivering that.”

“Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential,” he added.

Under the new rates:

• The National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) has increased by 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour.

• The 18–20 age bracket has seen a record 16.2% increase, from £8.60 to £10 per hour.

• Those under 18 now earn £7.55 per hour, up 18%.

• Apprentices receive the same hourly rate of £7.55, a rise from £6.40.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said the changes would reward hard work and help raise living standards: “We’re raising the floor for workers from Cardiff to Colwyn Bay, putting more money into their pockets and delivering the increased living standards needed to kickstart economic growth across Wales.”

The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: “Today thousands of the lowest paid workers in Wales will receive a pay rise worth £1,400 a year to help with household bills and improve living standards. Families across Wales will see this increase in their pay packets from today as the UK Government puts more money in the pockets of working people.”

The UK Government has said the increases reflect a new approach to wage-setting. This is the first year that the Low Pay Commission, which advises on wage levels, has been instructed to take into account the cost of living and inflation in its recommendations.

Additionally, the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill is expected to deliver a further £600 per year to some of the lowest paid workers through wage-related measures.

Eligible workers are encouraged to check they’re receiving the correct rate via the government’s online portal: gov.uk/checkyourpay