16:26 17 March 2015
The government has announced an increase to the national minimum wage. Starting October, workers will receive at least £6.70 per hour. The change is expected to benefit more than 1.4 million workers. The hourly rate for younger workers and apprentices will follow suit and will increase by up to 20per cent or 57p to £3.30 per hour.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the across-the-board increases would offer "more financial security" to workers.
The new rates, which is represent the biggest increase in seven years, were commended by Low Pay Commission but unions said that these will not address “in-work poverty.”
Announcing the changes, Mr Cameron said: "At the heart of our long-term economic plan for Britain is a simple idea - that those who put in, should get out, that hard work is really rewarded, that the benefits of recovery are truly national.
"That's what today's announcement is all about, saying to hardworking taxpayers, this is a government that is on your side. It will mean more financial security for Britain's families and a better future for our country."