"Its probably going to increase costs": Ipswich cafe speaks on National Minimum Wage rise
It's an increase of almost 10% for those aged 23 and over
Last updated 3rd Apr 2023
Today, the National Minimum Wage will rise for millions; by almost 10 % for those aged 23 and over, rising from £10.42, which will benefit those working in retail, hospitality and maintenance.
Younger age groups are seeing an uplift, too.
With this new wage increase coming into place, some Suffolk businesses say that they worry a new minimum wage will create additional pressure on top of sky- high costs.
Greatest Hits Radio Suffolk spoke with Kie Humphries, owner of Coffee Cat in Ipswich.
He feels the increase should have happened in stages to help small businesses like his.
“It leads me to question in my mind whether it should have been staggered over a couple or six-month period.”
“In particular to sort of run it on a parallel line with fuel concerns.”
Kie also told us that he feels the costs will increase his overheads making things more difficult to manage.
“It is again probably going to increase costs of food and drink”
“It just concerns me, the large step that’s been taken”
Union group the T-U-C doesn't think it's enough to offset the rise in the cost of living claiming that it won’t ‘lift pressure’ on the millions already struggling.
However, business Minister Kevin Hollinrake says it'll provide the economy with a much-needed boost.
“We have one of the highest minimum wage rates in Europe, this is really good for workers and for attracting people back into the workplace.”