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National Minimum Wage set to rise
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Further wage increases are planned in the future.

Government approves a rise to £6.50 from October 2014

The National Minimum Wage will go up to £6.50 per hour in October 2014, with bigger increases planned for the future.

The Government says more than 1 million people will see their pay rise by as much as £355 per year.

The move is based on recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC). This is the biggest cash increase low paid workers have seen since 2008.

LPC says the rise is manageable for employers and will support full employment. It is the beginning of a phase of wage increases, assuming the economy continues to improve.

Accepting the changes, business secretary Vince Cable said: "The experts will continue to advise government on future wage rises to help the low paid, and in the meantime I urge businesses to consider how all their staff - not just those on the minimum wage - can enjoy the benefits of recovery."

Mr Cable said the move "marks the start of a welcome new phase in minimum wage policy."

The National Minimum Wages rates from October 1, 2014, will be:

  • A 19p (3 per cent) increase in the adult rate (from £6.31 to £6.50 per hour)
  • A 10p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for 18 to 20 year olds (from £5.03 to £5.13 per hour)
  • A 7p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for 16 to 17 year olds (from £3.72 to £3.79 per hour)
  • A 5p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for apprentices (from £2.68 to £2.73 per hour)

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.