BURY North MP James Daly has said the Conservative Party is "determined" to put more money into the pockets of lowest-paid workers.

266,000 workers in North West England have received a pay increase this year thanks to increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage brought in by the Government.

The rate rises include a 2.2 per cent increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91, the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time.

And for the first time since it came into effect in 2016, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years old.

The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.

The Government has said it remains committed to the target of the National Living Wage reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.

During the pandemic, the Government claims to have protected 11.2m jobs through the furlough scheme, £18.9b to support 2.7m self-employed workers to date, and billions of pounds in tax deferrals and grants for businesses. 

Last month’s Budget also introduced new measures to cut down on the cost of living by freezing fuel duty for the eleventh consecutive year - saving an average car driver £12.84 per tank and a cumulative £1,600, and freezing all alcohol duties, saving drinkers £1.7b.

Mr Daly MP said: “This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for workers across Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington, but as we recover from the pandemic, this Conservative Government is determined to put more money into the pockets of our lowest-paid workers.

“These increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages will benefit around 266,000 people across North West England, giving them a much needed pay rise as we steadily reopen the economy and get more people back to work.

“This will help to protect the lowest paid and put more money in the pockets of hard-working families – supporting our recovery as we build back better from this pandemic.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The National Minimum and Living Wages have increased every year since they were introduced, supporting the lowest paid, and despite the challenges we’ve faced recently, this year will be no different.

“That’s why we’re providing a well-earned pay rise to two million people, which will be a welcome boost to families right across the UK.

“To make sure the next generation isn’t left behind, everyone over 23 years old will also now be eligible.”