The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is rising by 11p today.

The following changes will take effect:

  • The adult rate will increase by 11 pence to £6.19 an hour
  • The rate for 18-20 year olds will remain at £4.98 an hour
  • The rate for 16-17 year olds will remain at £3.68 an hour
  • The rate for apprentices will increase by 5 pence to £2.65 an hour
  • The accommodation offset will increase by 9 pence to £4.82 per day

This 1.8% increase is slightly lower than the typical rise in earnings and the current rate of inflation, which represents the rising cost of living.

But the TUC union believes that the changes are not enough.

“While we are pleased that government has rejected the siren calls of some employers to freeze the minimum wage for adult workers and apprentices, these increases are still far below inflation and will leave the lowest paid facing a real terms cut,” said the TUC.

“These new rates are a particular blow to younger people who will face the biggest hit on their living standards. There is no evidence that the minimum wage has had an adverse impact on young people’s employment so it is hard to see the logic behind their pay freeze.”

Published on: October 1, 2012