Around two million low-paid workers in the UK will see a pay rise following increases to the national living wage and national minimum wage.

The national living wage increased by 2.2%, from £8.72 to £8.91 an hour on 1 April 2021, as well as being extended to people aged 23 and older, having previously only applied from age 25.

The national minimum wage hourly rate for workers aged between 21 and 22 also increased, now standing at £8.36 compared to £8.20.

For 18 to 20-year-olds, the minimum wage increased from £6.45 to £6.56 an hour, while the rate for under-18s rose from £4.55 to £4.62.

The apprentice rate, meanwhile, saw the biggest percentage increase (3.6%) from £4.15 to £4.30 an hour.

The Government said the rise means someone working full time on the national living wage from April 2021 will earn £5,400 more a year than they did in 2010.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

"In this toughest of years, we're protecting workers by putting more money in the pockets of the UK's lowest paid.

"I'd urge all workers to check their pay packet to ensure they're getting what they are entitled to, and remind employers of their duty to pay the correct wage."

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