15 jobs exempt from the National Minimum Wage rise in April under the Labour Party government have been revealed. The government warns a string of jobs aren’t actually eligible for the wage increase and hike from spring.
People who are volunteers or voluntary workers, people living and working in a religious community and people working on a Jobcentre Plus Work trial for up to 6 weeks are all listed by the government under exemptions to the new rates.
Prisoners, higher and further education students on work experience or a work placement up to one year and workers on a government employment programme, such as the Work Programme are also listed, the government has said.
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People on the following European Union (EU) programmes: Leonardo da Vinci, Erasmus+, Comenius, company directors and those self-employed people running their own business ar ealso exempt. Workers on government pre-apprenticeships schemes are also exempt.
The exemptions list extends to members of the armed forces, people shadowing others at work, share fishermen, workers younger than school leaving age (usually 16) and also family members of the employer living in the employer’s home.
Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “This Government promised a genuine living wage for working people. This pay boost for millions of workers is a significant step towards delivering on that promise.”
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner added: “A proper day’s work deserves a proper day’s pay. Our changes will see a pay boost that will help millions of lower earners to cover the essentials as well as providing the biggest increase for 18–20-year-olds on record.”
The new rates will see pay rise to £11.44 an hour to £12.21 an hour (6.7% increase) for those aged over 21. 18 to 20 year olds see a rise from £8.60 an hour to £10 an hour (16.3% increase).