Tom Gordon

GEORGE Osborne’s new National Living Wage will leave workers under 18 almost £6500 a year worse off than those over 25, new official figures have revealed.

The SNP, who obtained the data from the Scottish Parliament’s independent information centre, said the Chancellor’s budget initiative was little more than a “con trick” on the young.

Under the Conservative government’s plans, the new living wage will ensure those over 25 are paid at least £7.20 an hour from April 2016, or £14,040 a year based on a 37.5 hour week.

However, in line with the current minimum wage, the rates vary according to a person’s age.

From April, apprentices will be entitled to £3.30 an hour, or £6,435 a year; workers under 18 will get £3.87 an hour, or £7546 a year; 18-20 year olds will get £5.30 an hour, or £10,335 a year, and those aged between 21 and 24 will get £6.70 an hour, or £13,065.

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “We already knew young people were hardest hit by the budget – now we know they will earn thousands less than colleagues doing the same job."