Young people across Britain have yet again been let down after the government announced that they will face a real terms cut in the minimum wage.
The government have announced a pathetic 4p rise in the basic minimum wage bringing it up to just £3:72 for 16 and 17 year olds.
The ‘rise’ in the minimum wage is well below the 2.7% consumer price inflation rate resulting in a real term cut for some of the poorest and most vulnerable young people across the UK. This blow makes a mockery of the government’s commitment to ‘make work pay‘.
This ‘increase’ also leaves the minimum wage well under the ‘living wage for Londoners’.
The ‘Living Wage’ set at £8:55 for Londoners is worked out on the basic cost of living – over £5 over the current minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds.
When this government proudly announces it’s ‘increase’ despite the Low Pay Commissions’ recommendations – don’t believe them. This is a real term cut.
The differing levels of the new minimum wage (depending on your age) which come into effect from the 1st October 2013 can be found here.
Hynd's Blog 
Tories trying to decrease the welfare bill often has the opposite effect of increasing it – such as this policy, were more people will need more top-up benefits just so that they can live and afford rent etc. – even if they are in work.
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