Rachel Reeves expected to raise national minimum wage by 6% in 2025

Above-inflation increase would give pay rise to more than 1 million low-paid workers

The national minimum wage is to increase by up to 6% next year, with more than 1 million low-paid workers in line for a pay rise, the Guardian understands.

Rachel Reeves is expected to announce an increase above inflation and even higher than what had been predicted last month. Ministers, who will herald the rise as good news for working people, said that 18- to 20-year-olds ought to eventually be paid the same as older workers, according to a recommendation first reported in the Times.