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We all know the minimum wage is rising, after the Budget. But is it just gesture politics, or will it make a real difference?

Here’s the BBC:

“Millions of people are set to get a pay rise from April due to an increase in the minimum wage, the government has announced ahead of Wednesday’s Budget.

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“The hourly rate for over-21s will rise by 50p to £12.71, with workers aged 18-20 seeing an 85p rise to £10.85, and under-18s and apprentices getting 45p more to £8 an hour.

“Chancellor Rachel Reeves said 2.7 million people will benefit from the increases, which will take effect from April next year.

“However, businesses have warned that further increases to the minimum wages could result in hiring freezes.

“The minimum wage increases are on top of a 6.7% rise for over-21s and a 16.3% rise for 18 to 20 year olds respectively last year, when there was also a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions.”

Short answer: closer, but still not close enough.

To read the rest, head over to The Whip Line.

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