Valerie Welcomes Increase in the National Minimum Wage this Weekend

Valerie has welcomed the increase in the National Minimum Wage.
The new rates, which came into force on Saturday 1st 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.

Valerie said;
“This rise in the National Minimum Wage – a policy introduced under a Labour Government – is more important than ever at a time when many hard working families are struggling financially. The rise, although small, will be welcome news for everyone in Walsall South who relies on the National Minimum Wage to help maintain a decent standard of living.”