SKILLS


East Midlands to benefit most from minimum wage increase


The Government’s announcement to increase the minimum wage will benefit the East Midlands more than most other regions. Almost 13% of the working population in our region will see their salaries increase, a level only bettered by the North East and Northern Ireland. The rates, recommended by the Low Pay


Commission (LPC) in its 2019 Summary of Findings - published January 2020 - were accepted in full by


The Apprenticeship Wage will increase


and organisations to continue to work towards meeting the business needs of the region. Higher and Degree


Apprenticeships have the potential to support the region’s business community, beyond the parameters of the programme content. Apprenticeship funding gives access to all organisations, including SMEs, to access the Government service. This opens up employers to select from any training provider, including DMU, that delivers these qualifications.


Government. They included recommendations on the National Living Wage, the National Minimum Wage and the Apprenticeship Wage. In recommending the new rate, the LPC took into


account data from the 2018 Apprentice Pay Survey which indicated strong pay growth for apprentices in comparison to other workers; although it recognised that there are significant disparities according to age, level of study and sector. It also recognised that setting the increase any


higher could impact employability. Corrina Hembury, Managing Director of Chamber


strategic partner Access Training, an independent training provider which supports people to progress in work and allows employers to improve productivity, enhance recruitment and retention rates, welcomed the increase. She said: “Setting a rate that values the work of an


apprentice while keeping it affordable for the employer is a very tough balancing act. We believe that the rate reflects the interests of both the employers and learners with whom we’re engaged.” As of 1 April, the Apprentice Minimum Wage


increases from £3.90 to £4.15 and is applicable to any apprentice under the age of 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. This represents a six per cent increase, which stands


at four times the rate of inflation. Apprentices who are aged 19 and over or who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. For workers aged 21-24, the rate increases from £7.70 to £8.20.


business network March 2020


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