West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that the National Living Wage will be increased by more than six per cent in April.

The wage increase, from £8.21 to £8.72 will mean 2.8 million people getting a pay rise well ahead of inflation.

The increase, which will be applied to workers over 25, will come into force on April 1 and results in an increase of £930 over the year for a full-time worker on the National Living Wage.

Younger workers who receive the National Minimum Wage will also see their pay boosted with increases of between 4.6 per cent and 6.5 per cent, depending on their age.

Harriett commented: “This New Year bonus will be a huge boost for those people who work hard on lower wages and is evidence of the Government’s commitment to help more people take home more of their hard-earned pay.

“With employment at record levels and vacancies consistently high, it is important that we make sure employers reward their staff with the right remuneration. This increase is an important further step as we work towards ending low pay and putting more money in the pockets of hard-working families.”