UK Minimum Wage Hikes: Win for Low Earners, Squeeze for Businesses

0:00On April 1st, around 2.7 million workers get a pay bump this week, as the UK minimum wage jumps 50 pence to 12 pounds 71 an hour for those over 21. Folks aged 18 to 20 see an 85 pence rise to 10 pounds 85 while under 18's in apprentices pocket 45 pence, more at 8 pounds hourly. These heights build on last year's 6.7% increase for over 21 and 16.3% for 18.2. 20 year olds, even as employer national insurance contributions rose to. Officials from the low pay commission say past raises haven't heard job numbers much, and ministers are eyeing a slower path to equal pay across all. Ado ages Campaigners cheer the changes as they win for low earners battling high living costs, but business owners feel the squeeze. Every shot boss Spencer Bowman loves paying fair wages, yet warns his 4 Southampton spots my shutter one soon, hit by wage hikes plus jumps in.

1:01Business rates, sick pay, energy bills, and more. Young workers like 25 year old Ifinania, call it a step forward for basics like groceries, figuring bosses would just hike prices instead of. Cutting jobs 18 year old Emilio worries it'll shrink her already slim job prospects after 20 applications this year with zero callbacks. Prime Minister Starmer says it's progress for the lowest paid, but stresses tackling broader costs, while groups push for the real living wage at 13 pounds 45 nationwide, or 14 pounds 80 in London. Businesses report labor costs forcing price tags up across the board.