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National Living Wage campaign launched

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According to a government survey, more than 70% of workers have said they will feel more positive for themselves and their families as a result of the introduction of the new National Living Wage.

The news comes as the government launches a new advertising campaign promoting the National Living Wage, due to come in on 1 April 2016. Over a million workers in the UK aged over 25 earning the minimum rate will see their hourly rate increase to £7.20; this is in addition to the 20p hourly increase that was brought in last year.

The advert will feature a range of workers from across the UK set to benefit from the National Living Wage as it increases over the next four years. Many UK companies have already pledged to pay at or above the new rate, including supermarkets like Morrisons and Lidl.

The Living Wage website has published a four-step guide for businesses, asking firms to:

  • Check they know who is eligible in your organisation.

  • Take the appropriate payroll action.

  • Let their staff know about their new pay rate

  • Check that staff aged under 25 are earning at least the right rate of National Minimum Wage.

Turn2us comments

Simon Hopkins, Turn2us Chief Executive said: “The rise in the National Minimum Wage will reduce some of the financial pressure on those we help, however in-work poverty still remains a real possibility for many.

“While many will benefit from the rise, it is vital that we don’t forget those who may not see a meaningful increase in income, such as those on zero hours contracts. It is also important that those on low incomes check to see if they may be eligible for additional support, such as tax credits.”

Your situation

If you are in work but on a low income, there may be benefits, grants or other financial support available to you. The ‘In work - on a low income' section of the our website has information about ways you might be able to get help. This includes information on Working Tax Credit.  

You can also check your benefit entitlement using our Benefits Calculator or find out whether you are eligible for charitable grant using our Grants Search.

The Your Situation online section contains resources on benefits and grants relating to particular situations you may find yourself in and a Find an Adviser tool to help you find national and local sources of further help.

Source: Gov.uk website information on the National Living Wage survey