National Living Wage

The New National Living Wage will be Introduced on 1st April 2016

On April 1st, the new National Living Wage will become law. If you are an employee aged 25 years or over and are not in the first year of an apprenticeship you will be legally entitled to the National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour.

You can find out if you’re eligible using the simple calculator on www.livingwage.gov.uk.  If you currently earn less than £7.20 per hour, you should see an increase in your pay automatically from April, so check your playslip. If you don’t see the increase you expect in April, you should speak to your employer.

If you are an employer, you need to make sure that you will be paying your staff correctly from 1st April 2016 as there will be no ‘grace period’.  You can find all you need to know, including the new rates of pay at www.gov.uk .

Data produced by the Office for National Statistics estimated that in 2014 there were 7,000 jobs in Uttlesford that paid less than the minimum wage.  Kate Robson, Manager of Uttlesford Citizens Advice said;

“We regularly see people who are struggling to manage their finances and who are living on exceedingly tight budgets, so for those on low wages the introduction of a National Living Wage is most welcome.  Despite the fact that Uttlesford is seen as an affluent area, there are still 1,500 children living in poverty and more than 2,700 households classed as being in fuel poverty; the lack of affordable housing in our district also remains a major problem for those on low incomes.”

If you are unsure about how these changes will affect you, or you are worried about money, Uttlesford Citizens Advice can offer free, independent, confidential advice and support.  Call tus on 01799 618840. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday between 9.30-3.30.