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National Minimum Wage set to rise
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Further wage increases are planned in the future.

Government approves a rise to £6.50 from October 2014

The National Minimum Wage will go up to £6.50 per hour in October 2014, with bigger increases planned for the future.

The Government says more than 1 million people will see their pay rise by as much as £355 per year.

The move is based on recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC). This is the biggest cash increase low paid workers have seen since 2008.

LPC says the rise is manageable for employers and will support full employment. It is the beginning of a phase of wage increases, assuming the economy continues to improve.

Accepting the changes, business secretary Vince Cable said: "The experts will continue to advise government on future wage rises to help the low paid, and in the meantime I urge businesses to consider how all their staff - not just those on the minimum wage - can enjoy the benefits of recovery."

Mr Cable said the move "marks the start of a welcome new phase in minimum wage policy."

The National Minimum Wages rates from October 1, 2014, will be:

  • A 19p (3 per cent) increase in the adult rate (from £6.31 to £6.50 per hour)
  • A 10p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for 18 to 20 year olds (from £5.03 to £5.13 per hour)
  • A 7p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for 16 to 17 year olds (from £3.72 to £3.79 per hour)
  • A 5p (2 per cent) increase in the rate for apprentices (from £2.68 to £2.73 per hour)

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.