Wage boost for 150,000 Welsh workers in Labour Budget
More than 150,000 workers in Wales will see their pay rise from April next year as the Labour Government increases the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.
The National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour, while the National Minimum Wage will rise to £10.85 per hour for 18- to 20-year-olds, and £8 per hour for under-18s and apprentices.
For a full-time worker on the National Living Wage, the change represents an annual increase of around £900. For those on the National Minimum Wage, the rise could mean an extra £1,500 a year.
The measures are expected to benefit around 2.7 million workers across the UK.
The Chancellor said the Budget aimed to tackle the cost of living, protect the NHS, and reduce the national debt.
Jo Stevens MP, Welsh Secretary, said: “This is excellent news for thousands of workers in Wales. Because of our UK Labour government people will see real and immediate benefits from a wage boost that will improve living standards and put more money in their pockets.”
“While Plaid and Reform engage in fantasy economics, only your Labour governments are focused on tackling the cost of living.”
Rebecca Evans MS, Economy Secretary in the Welsh Government, said: “More money in the pockets of thousands of workers in Wales is welcome news from the UK Labour Government. Working together, two Labour governments are delivering higher wages, more affordable housing, and more secure rights for those in work here in Wales.”
The Welsh Government said it continues to support households through measures such as free school meals and breakfasts for primary pupils, and affordable housing programmes delivering nearly 20,000 new homes.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The government is delivering on its promise to make work pay.”
“With living costs stubbornly high, an above-inflation pay rise will make a real difference to the lowest-paid.”
“Putting more money in people’s pockets is good for workers and good for the economy as it goes straight back into our high streets and local businesses.”
“And sticking with plans to scrap youth rates is absolutely the right call. Young workers have bills like everyone else and deserve a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. It’s right they see a larger rise as youth rates are phased out.”
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