So many new things are being announced at the moment and this one is important.

The Department for Work and Pensions has published its annual rate increases for 2023/2024.

The rate for statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and parental bereavement pay will increase to £172.48 per week (previously £156.66).

The rate for statutory sick pay will increase to £109.40 per week (previously £99.35).

The annual increase to the minimum wage and national living wage are as follows:-

23+ – £10.42 (previously £9.50)

21-22 – £10.18 (previously £9.18)

18-20 – £7.49 (previously £6.83)

16-17 – £5.28 (previously £4.81)

Apprentices – £5.28 (previously £4.81)

The accommodation offset will be £9.10 per day (previously £8.70).

These changes will take effect in April 2023.