From April 2022, the Government are set to increase the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in accordance with the Low Pay Commission. The new rates are as follows:
| Rate from April 2022 | Current rate (April 2021 to March 2022) | Increase | |
| National Living Wage | £9.50 | £8.91 | 6.6% |
| 21-22 Year Old Rate | £9.18 | £8.36 | 9.8% |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £6.83 | £6.56 | 4.1% |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £4.81 | £4.62 | 4.1% |
| Apprentice Rate | £4.81 | £4.30 | 11.9% |
| Accommodation Offset | £8.70 | £8.36 | 4.1% |
This year will also see an increase to national insurance contributions of 1.25%, as well as an increase in Statutory Sick Pay to £99.35 per week (up from £96.35 per week).
If these increases are a concern for you, or if your personal assistants will fall below minimum wage when the changes become legal in April, please contact your allocated adviser at West Sussex County Council for budgeting support.
You can also contact the Independent Lives Information & Advice team for support on 01903 219482 option 3, or by emailing [email protected]