Millions of workers to get a £585 pay rise next month – are you one of them?

THE National Living Wage will rise from £7.20 to £7.50 on April 1, giving workers a much needed wage boost.

It means that those working a 37.5 hour week could earn an extra £585 a year.

Previously, employees working 37.5 hours a week on £7.20 an hour would have earned £270 a week. Now they will earn £281.25 a week, or £585 a year.

The wage increase was announced by chancellor Phillip Hammond during this month’s Budget. The Government’s target is for the minimum wage to be £9 an hour by 2020.

But not all workers will benefit from the new rate, as it only applies to employees over the age of 25.

Workers aged 21 to 24 will get £7.05 an hour, 18- to 20-year-olds will get £5.60 an hour, and under 18s will get £4.05 an hour. Apprentices will be paid £3.50 an hour.

Workers are entitled to the minimum wage if they’re part-time or casual labourers, but the self-employed are not entitled to the minimum salary.

Many companies will offer to pay their employees more than £7.50 an hour, but this is the absolute minimum employers must now pay.

If you don’t notice a change in your wage, speak to your employer. If you’re still unsure, contact HMRC or Citizens Advice for guidance.