UK trainees to receive pay rise by October 2015

Apprentices across the UK are set to see their pay boosted by a fifth this October.

The 20 per cent increase on apprentice pay packets has been announced following the rise in the national minimum wage, with the British government exceeding the recommendations for apprentice pay from the Low Pay Commission (LPC).

The LPC suggested a 7p increase in the hourly rate for apprentices, which applies to those aged 16 to 18 and those that are aged 19 or over and in their first year. However, the government has managed to secure an increase of 57p an hour in the trainee rate.

"Whether you're on low pay or starting your dream career through an apprenticeship, you will get more support to help you go further and faster," said Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, in a BBC article.

Minimum wage increases were also pushed through across the board, in line with or exceeding the recommendations from the LPC.

From October, the national minimum wage for adults will increase by three per cent, which equates to raising the rate by 20p to £6.70. David Cameron and Nick Clegg said the three per cent raise is the largest increase in real-terms since 2008, due to the inflation rate falling to a low of 0.3 per cent.

Younger workers will enjoy increases to their hourly rates as well. The minimum rate for 18 to 20-year olds will also increase by three per cent in October, rising by 17p to £5.30. For 16 and 17-year olds, the statutory minimum will go up by two per cent to £3.87.

"At the heart of our long-term economic plan for Britain is a simple idea - that those who put in, should get out, that hard work is really rewarded, that the benefits of recovery are truly national,” said Prime Minister David Cameron. He added: “It will mean more financial security for Britain's families and a better future for our country”.

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