Around two million of the UK's lowest-paid workers will receive a "well-earned" pay rise from today with increases in statutory minimum wages.
Workers are being urged to check their pay packets as the National Living Wage rises by 2.2% to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 a year for a full-time employee, and will be given to 23 and 24-year-olds for the first time.
The Living Wage Foundation said workers paid the voluntary so-called Real Living Wage will receive £1,150 more over the coming year compared with those on the statutory rate.
Ministers said the increase means a full-time worker on the National Living Wage will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010, and it will particularly benefit workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance.
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