New minimum wage rates to come into force

On 1 April 2017 new minimum wage and national living wage rates come into force. 

For an apprentice, the rate will rise from £3.40 to £3.50 an hour, while under 18s who are not apprentices, will see their wages rise from £4.00 to £4.05 per hour.

For people aged between 18 and 20, the rate will rise from £5.55 to £5.60 per hour and for workers aged between 21 and 24, the rate will increase from £6.95 to £7.05 per hour.  

The highest increase is for workers aged 25 and over, where the rate will increase from £7.20 an hour to £7.50 an hour, leaving earners up to £500 better off over the course of a year.

In an article on the Mirror website, Hannah Maundrell, who is the editor in chief of Money.co.uk, said, “"To really help struggling households £8.50 an hour would be nearer the mark instead. I’d imagine public sector workers are likely to be peeved at this increase as the 4% pay rise dwarfs the 1% cap being forced upon them for the next few years."

New rates could have an impact on North Devon businesses

The imposition of these new rates before the start of the summer season could well have an impact on local employers in North Devon and throughout the South West region, as seasonal staff will now have to be paid at the new rates.

Some people believe that by putting the minimum wage up, small businesses will be affected the most and could even be put out of business.

Here at Samuels Solicitors we can give you advice about these new minimum wage rates and how they might affect your business, or if you are a worker who believes they are entitled to a higher rate of pay than you are receiving, contact us today for a free no obligation discussion about how we can help.