200,000 workers in Scotland will today [Monday 1 April] receive a pay increase as the National Minimum Wage and National Living wage rise comes into effect.
The rate rises include a 9.8 percent increase in the National Living Wage, from £10.42 per hour to £11.44, the equivalent of more than £1,800 extra per year before tax for someone working full time.
This £1.02 increase per hour is the largest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage.
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:
“Today’s announcement is an historic moment, as we end low hourly pay for those on the National Living Wage in the UK.
“Full-time workers on the National Living Wage now earn over £8,600 a year more since its introduction, as we continue to protect people’s income.
“Today’s increase will help around 3 million low paid workers, supporting families in Scotland and across the UK.”
The full increases from 1 April 2024 are:
- National Living Wage (21+) has increased 9.8%, from £10.42 to £11.44
- National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 14.8%, from £7.49 to £8.60
- National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 21.2%, from £5.28 to £6.40
- Apprentice Rate has increased 21.2% from £5.28 to £6.40
- The Accommodation Offset also increased 9.8% from £9.10 to £9.99
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
“The biggest ever rise to the National Living Wage that comes into force today will make a huge difference to around 200,000 hard-working Scots, with an increase of more than £1 an hour to £11.44.
“This comes on top of the second 2p cut to National Insurance, in addition to the first 2p cut in January, worth an average of £680 extra per year to around 2.4million Scottish workers.
“Seeing people keep more of their hard-earned wages is all part of our plan to boost prosperity as we see the economy grow.”
The 2024 National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year olds is 62% higher and the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is 94% higher than the 2015 rates.
The uplift will particularly benefit workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance, as well as women and those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) backgrounds.
