Work Foundation - Introduction of a National Living Wage is a bold intervention

9 Jul 2015 10:51 AM

Ian Brinkley, chief economist at Lancaster University’s Work Foundation, comments on yesterday's budget announcements.

“The Chancellor’s bombshell announcement of a National Living Wage is a bold intervention that will increase the relative wages of many low paid workers. Equally surprising was the levy on large firms to help sustain more high quality apprenticeships. Both indicate a new willingness to intervene directly in the labour market, albeit driven by a desire to reduce future welfare bills, that is both welcome and surprising. Less impressive was the sustained freeze on public sector pay, which will simply add to recruitment and retention difficulties”

Notes to editors:

Ian Brinkley, chief economist, at Lancaster University’s Work Foundation is available for interviews, briefings, analysis, and written comment.

The Work Foundation transforms people’s experience of work and the labour market through high quality applied research that empowers individuals and influences public policies and organisational practices. The Work Foundation is part of Lancaster University – an alliance that enables both organisations to further enhance their impact.

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