Minimum wage rise – low-income families need boost now

Extra cash is little comfort after universal credit cut and national insurance rise

Commenting on the announcement today (Monday) that the national minimum wage is to rise to £9.50 in April, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“This will do little to compensate for this month’s universal credit cut, nor the hike in national insurance next April.

“Low-income families need a boost now. With everything costing more, poorer households can’t afford to wait until next year.

“The chancellor must also come up with the cash to give school and council staff an above-inflation wage rise. Then do the same for NHS workers whose pay award has already been overtaken by soaring prices.”

Notes to editors:
-UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk