Workers in Scotland receive pay rise as Living Wage and Minimum Wage increase takes effect

The UK Government said the pay rises would help "kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future".

More than 200,000 workers across Scotland will receive a pay rise today as the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect.

The UK Government said the changes, which follow a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission last year, mean a full-time worker earning the living wage will see a £1,400 increase in their annual salary.

An estimated 220,000 workers in Scotland will receive an uplift as a result of the increased rates.

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over has increased 6.7 per cent, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18-20 sees a record increase of 16.2 per cent, from £8.60 to £10 per hour.

And the minimum wage for those under-18 has increased by 18 per cent, to £7.55 per hour.

Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, said: "This well-deserved pay rise for up to 220,000 Scots is a landmark moment in the UK Government's Plan for Change. It will boost economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets - we will always ensure that working people benefit.

"We are taking comprehensive action to deliver the biggest improvements to workers’ rights in a generation, where jobs will not only be better paid, but more secure and with employees having stronger rights.

"We will continue to do whatever is necessary to help more people into work - while always supporting those who cannot - as we secure Britain's future and a decade of renewal for households the length and breadth of Scotland."

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Business Secretary, said: "We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay and the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, we are delivering that.

"Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential.

"By ensuring that everyone gets a fair wage for the hours they work, we’re delivering the financial stability needed to kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future."

Anyone who is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage is advised to speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122, or complain to HMRC in confidence using the link www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint.

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