Usdaw welcomes increase in the National Minimum Wage

Date: 7 April 2011

The shopworkers Union Usdaw has welcomed the Government's decision to accept the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission and increase all four rates of the National Minimum Wage.

The new rates, which will come into force on 1 October 2011, are as follows:

£6.08 per hour for workers aged 21 and over - a 2.5% increase on the current £5.93 rate.

£4.98 per hour for 18-20 year olds - a 1.2% increase on the current £4.92 rate.

£3.68 per hour for 16-17 year olds - a 1.1% increase on the current £3.64 rate.

£2.60 apprentice rate - a 4% increase on the current £2.50 rate.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said:

"This modest rise will be welcome news for the millions of low paid workers and their families who rely on the National Minimum Wage to help them maintain a decent standard of living."

"The rise in the adult rate keeps pace with current wage settlements in the economy and while there will be some disappointment at the lower increase for young workers, the package does offer some respite from the severe financial pressures many people are under at the moment."

"Usdaw presented a robust and sound case to the Low Pay Commission for an increase in all rates of the National Minimum Wage and I'm extremely pleased that the Commission has once again made a decision based on the evidence before them and resisted calls for a freeze."

Notes for Editors:

Download the Low Pay Commission's report and recommendations for 2011.
Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest trade union, with over 395,000 members. Usdaw is the country's fastest growing trade union; membership has increased by more than 15% in the last four years and by over a quarter in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.