On October 1st minimum wage rates were increased for workers across the UK, as well as holiday entitlement being increased from 20 days per year to 24.

“These changes will improve the lives of millions of British workers, giving them more time with their families and ensuring our lowest paid workers continue to be able to earn a living wage," stated Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden.

The minimum wage has been raised from £5.35 per hour, to £5.52 for adults. For people aged 18-21, the minimum wage has risen to £4.60 from £4.44. 16 and 17 year-olds will now receive a minimum of £3.40 per hour, a 10p increase.

This comes as the British Retail Consortium publish a report which estimates the cost of last year’s minimum wage increase at £1.7 billion. However, this cost was inflated as all workers received an increase in pay to keep wage differentials constant.