Major charities spend millions more on staff costs after minimum wage rises

Several large UK charities have reported spending millions more on staff salaries due to minimum wage rises introduced this month, and commissioners have been urged to cover their increased costs.

Mencap, Age UK and Sue Ryder have reported that their salaries have risen by £6.7m, £1.7m and £1m respectively after increasing staff pay following the legislation changes introduced on 1 April. - 

Last week, the government increased the minimum legal pay rate for anyone aged 21 and over, now known as the national living wage (NLW), by 10% to £11.44 per hour.

Earlier this year, a government impact assessment estimated the rises could cost charities £200m over six years.

Read the article in full on the Civil Society website HERE.