Starmer takes first steps to hand 200k Scots pay boost

PM begins bid to tackle poverty with genuine living wage

- PAUL HUTCHEON

KEIR Starmer has taken the first step towards handing about 200,000 Scots a pay boost next year through a “genuine” living wage.

Labour ministers have told the Low Pay Commission to ensure rises take into account the cost-of-living crisis.

The LPC has also been told to move towards abolishing the lower rate for 18 to 20-year-olds.

Introducing a proper living wage, currently set at £11.44 for people 21 and over, was a key manifesto commitment for Labour during the election. So too was scrapping the discriminatory rate for younger people.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “For too long working people have faced the worst of the cost-of-living crisis, but this Government is taking bold action to address it and make work pay.

“The new remit to the LPC is the first of many vital steps we will take to support more people to stay in work and improve living standards.