UK Government Takes Action to Boost Minimum Wage and Encourage Employment

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt is set to announce an increase in the minimum wage to at least £11 ($13.42) per hour for workers over 23 years old in his annual Conservative party conference speech. Hunt's speech is expected to ignore calls for tax cuts within his party, as he supports Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's goal to halve inflation. The announcement comes as average weekly earnings have risen sharply, causing concerns about inflationary pressures. Hunt will also announce a review to strengthen the benefit sanctions system. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss will also pressure the government to lower taxes during the conference.