More pay: Over 21s will now receive a higher minimum wage in the UK, while youths will receive the current rate of pay.
The government announced it will be raising the minimum wage for employees later on this year.
From October, those aged 21 and up will gain an extra 11p per hour, bringing the total to £6.19 and apprentices will also see a rise in their wage of 5p to £2.65 per hour.
Meanwhile, under 20s will receive the same minimum wage of £3.68 for 16 to 17-year-olds or £4.98 for 18 to 20-year-olds.
Business Secretary Vince Cable highlighted that the decision to freeze the pay bracket for under 20s was a difficult decision for the government, but felt that a rise would be of “little value” if teens were unable to find jobs in the current economic climate.
However in Lincoln, 960 apprenticeships were delivered in the 2010/11 school period, while the city is also leading the way in startup businesses.
The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the rise in minimum wage, and are encouraging local businesses to employ young people.
The Federation of Small Businesses’ Development Manager for Lincolnshire Michael Self said: “The Federation of Small Businesses has been supportive of the idea of a National Minimum Wage (NMW), although we didn’t expect it to rise by as much as 11p per hour at a time of stagnation in the economy and high unemployment.
“We welcome the news that the NMW remains the same for 16 to 17-year-olds and 18 to 20-year-olds, as this is an area of high unemployment, at present and employers need to be encouraged to employ more young people.”
He added: “With the budget due on Wednesday, the FSB is calling on government to make it easier and cheaper for firms to employ staff.”
Looking for a job in Lincoln? Check out The Lincolnite Job Board.
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