Farron welcomes announcement that National Minimum Wage will rise 3%

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is pleased that the Government has today accepted the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission to raise the Minimum Wage.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendation to increase the National Minimum Wage for adults by 3%. The rate for 18 to 20 year-olds will rise by 2% to reach £5.13 an hour. Those aged between 16 and 17 will also benefit from a 2% increase, taking their minimum wage level to £3.79 per hour. Apprentices will now get at least £2.73 an hour.

Tim recently called on local residents to support his campaign to increase the National Minimum Wage. He has also been lobbying Ministers over the last few months for an increase, but emphasising that they must take into account the concerns of the local tourism sector and small businesses.

Tim said: "Making it easier for people to get by has been a massive issue for the last few years. I have pushed with colleagues to give people on low and middle incomes a tax cut and increasing the minimum wage is another part of that.

"In an area like ours, even a small rise will make a difference. But an increase in the minimum wage is only part of the way that we are helping local people. From April, workers on the minimum wage will receive a £700 income tax cut. Locally, we have set up the energy cooperative scheme, saving some people up to £200 and are campaigning for more investment and apprenticeships. These measures are all part of our campaign to create more well paid jobs in Cumbria."