Maria Miller local MP for Basingstoke has welcomed the launch of the Government’s new National Living Wage – giving a big boost to the lowest-paid in Basingstoke.
From 1 April 2016, workers aged 25 and over and not in the first year of an apprenticeship will be legally entitled to at least £7.20 an hour under the National Living Wage – that’s an extra 50 pence an hour compared to the National Minimum Wage – a £20 a week pay rise for a full time worker.
1.3 million people across the country are expected to benefit directly from the National Living Wage – which is set to rise to £9 an hour by 2020 – while 6 million could see a pay rise as a result of a ripple effect pushing wages up across Britain.
At the same time from 6 April 2016 the personal allowance will rise to £11,000 – a saving of £80 – and from April 2017 it will rise again to £11,500 – taking 1.3 million of the lowest-paid workers out of income tax altogether and giving a tax cut to 31 million across the country.
Maria said, ‘The new Narional Living Wage will boost wages and make sure that more families have the security of a decent, regular pay packet, while ensuring that people are always better off in work, are at the heart of the Government’s long-term plan.'
‘We’re backing hard work and aspiration – creating opportunity for hardworking people across Basingstoke – and, with more people in work than ever before, our plan is working.’