New work rights and dwp benefit changes: these are the big changes affecting you from 1 april

HOUSING, BENEFITS AND WORK

A number of changes to your bank account and daily life will come into effect from the start of April. Against a backdrop of inflation and an economy in recession, there are hikes to common prices and charges. But there are also increases to benefits which may help make ends meet. Plus, you’ll have some new rights at work to be aware of. Here’s what’s changing from 1 April.

Work

Those aged 21 or 22 will be entitled to the National Living Wage from 1 April, which stands at £11.44. It’s an increase of £1.36 an hour.

National insurance will go from 10% to 8% on 6 April. The Treasury says this will save £450 a year for the average worker, but for those earning £20,000, it will save around £150 a year.

From 6 April, you’ll be able to make a request for flexible working from the first day of your employment. Carers will also be able to apply for one week of unpaid leave per year.

Benefits

A range of benefits will increase by 6.7% – matching the rate of inflation in September 2023. For example, the standard daily living component of PIP will increase from £101.75 to £108.55 per week, and statutory sick pay will increase from £109.40 a week to £116.75. For single people aged 25 and over who receive universal credit, the standard monthly allowance will increase from £368.74 to £393.45.

The fabled triple lock means the state pension is set to increase by 8.5%, with the full weekly rate for the new state pension increasing from £203.85 to £221.20. In the first increase since 2020, local housing allowance will be raised to the 30th percentile of local rents. It’s estimated to give households an extra £785 a year.

Housing

If you’re