SOUTH Craven and Skipton MP Julian Smith has welcomed the launch of the new National Living Wage.

He said the move would give a huge boost to low-paid workers across his constituency.

Workers aged 25 and over, not in the first year of an apprenticeship, are now legally entitled to at least £7.20 an hour - equivalent to a £20-a-week pay rise for a full-time employee.

Mr Smith (pictured) said: "Boosting wages and making sure more families have the security of a decent, regular pay packet – while ensuring people are always better off in work – are at the heart of the Government's long-term plan.

"Recent employment figures, the increasing tax-free personal allowance and the National Living Wage show we are creating opportunity for people across my constituency and that our plan is working."