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Staff Finders welcomes National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increase

As a recruitment agency which helps hundreds of people find work across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Staff Finders welcomes today's increase in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage which will benefit millions of workers.

The rate rises include a 2.2% increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time.

For the first time since it came into effect in 2016, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years old.

Staff Finders’ Business Development Director Gizela Fiutowska said: “Given the difficult year so many have experienced this is a much needed and much welcomed increase in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

“It is said that there will be around two million people benefit from this increase and particularly benefit workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance.

“As we have seen over the past 12 months, people in what are often some of the lowest paid jobs have proven themselves to be essential workers who have kept the country moving during difficult times.

“It is certainly a welcome move to lower the National Living Wage threshold from 25 to 23, as we need to encourage younger people into work as soon as possible.”

How it works

• From today (April 1, 2021) those over the age of 23 are eligible for the National Living Wage.
• The National Minimum Wage applies to those from school leaving age to 22.
• National Living Wage (23+) has increased 2.2%, from £8.72 to £8.91
• National Minimum Wage (21-22) has increased 2%, from £8.20 to £8.36
• National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 1.7% from £6.45 to £6.56
• National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 1.5% from £4.55 to £4.62
• Apprentice Rate has increased 3.6% from £4.15 to £4.30