Unions Call for Greater Minimum Wage Hike on Eve of Increase
The mandatory rise in adult minimum wage to £6.08 per hour is effective tomorrow, bringing that safety net benchmark to above £6 for the first time. Unions are not satisfied with that economic progress, calling for at least £8 per hour instead.
The 15-percent adult rate increase is not alone in debuting tomorrow. For 18- to 20-year-olds, the rate jumps by six percent to £4.98 per hour and by four percent for 16- and 17-year-olds to £3.68 per hour. The apprentice rate is also increasing to £2.60, up 10 percent from today’s rates.
The TUC declared the projections approximate the 2.5-percent increase in adult minimum wage mark would benefit public finances with additional tax revenue.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis avowed it would advocate a
“substantial”
…increase, one that aligns itself to inflation and the cost of living. Prentis aims
Even Booming Times Can Spell Trouble
North Dakota’s oil boom has created opportunity that may be lacking in other parts of the country, but it also means saying “hello” to a different kind of trouble: crime. While people elsewhere may be having trouble finding a job, paying bills, or making a decent wage, North Dakota’s small towns have had an oil boom that has brought jobs and good wages, but less security and some outright homelessness. Companies that must hire to expand the oil and natural gas booms going on around the country often grow much faster than a small town can absorb, in terms of housing and law enforcement, leading to wild nights and higher crime rates.
Where to House Everyone
As the need for labor increases, small towns find that they don’t have enough housing to lodge everyone who comes either to work or in search of a job. This is t
Living Trusts: Frequently Asked Questions
Often considered a cost-effective alternative to a will, a trust can help you avoid probate court and give you peace of mind that your assets will be handled properly when you die or if you become incapacitated. Every trust is created while you’re alive, except for what’s called a testamentary trust, which is made after your death per a request in your will.
Here is a brief overview of frequently asked questions about trusts and if it’s right for you:
What is a trust?
A trust is a written agreement made by you that describes who will manage the assets in it after you die or become incapacitated (unable to make decisions for yourself). There
2012 IRS Maximum 401K Contribution Increase Announced
The IRS 2012 401K maximum was officially announced, and theres an increase in the contribution limit! Finally, some good financial news! Without further ado
The Maximum 401K Contribution in 2012 is
$17,000! Thats right, we finally got an increase for the first time in 4 years from the IRS.
The 2009, 2010, and 2011 maximum 401K contribution limits had all been stuck at $16,500. A 3% increase isnt much, but Ill take it. The last increase was when 2009′s 401K maximum had increased $1,000 over 2008′s $15,500 maximum.
403B and 457B plans will receive the same bump in limits in 2012.
The maximum 401K catch-up contribution per year for those over 50 years old, however, stays the same at $5,500 over the standard contribution limit in 2012.
The History of 401K Maximum Contributions
Believe it or not, the maximum contribution level has increased in all but six years going back to it’s beginning in 1987 (75% of the time). Three of