The wages of three and a half million low-paid workers will increase by more than expected in April 2025.

The government has confirmed the National Living Wage paid to over-21s will go up by 6.7% while the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will see a 16% increase.

Separately, almost half a million workers benefit from a higher hourly rate paid voluntarily by some UK businesses called the Real Living Wage, which is also going up.

What is the National Living Wage and how much is it?

Since 1 April, employees aged 21 and over have been entitled to the National Living Wage. Previously, you had to be 23 to qualify.

It is currently worth 11.44 an hour, but will increase to 12.21 in April 2025.

The pay rates are set by the government every year on the advice of an independent group, the Low Pay Commission.

It had recommended that the National Living Wage should be 12.10 in April 2025, a 5.8% rise.

However, the government has announced that the rate will go up by 6.7%. It says the increase is worth 1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker.

What is the National Minimum Wage and how much is it?

Younger employees - aged between 16 and 20 - receive the National Minimum Wage.

For 18, 19 and 20-year-olds, the National Minimum Wage is 8.60, but will go up to 10 an hour in April 2025.

That is the largest rise on record, and is the first step towards meeting the government's target of having a single adult rate.

The government says the increase is worth 2,500 for an...

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