Editor’s note: well done to those who spotted this story was an April Fool – our only genuine, fact-checked, serious story of the year

By Flora Pi Lo

The new mandatory National Living Wage is now law, forcing employers to pay any workers aged over 25 at least £7.20 an hour.

It is expected the new measure will present an immediate pay rise to 1.3 million workers.

[AdSense-A]

But that news will not interest Port Talbot steel workers who face losing their jobs. Today they prepare to meet Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who insists the government is “on their side”.

Thousands of workers face being laid off after Indian conglomerate Tata announced it was selling its UK assets, including its large south Wales plant.

Also in business, the Co-operative Bank today revealed it had made a loss of £611million, but still managed to pay its chief executive a £3.85 million package. The Argos Home Retail Group says it intends to support Sainsbury’s takeover of its retail chain for £1.3 billion, which could see the closure of 200 stores.

North Korea

Meanwhile, China and the United States will work together in an attempt to prevent further missile tests by North Korea, US President Barack Obama has announced.

In motoring news, Tesla has unveiled its Model 3 electric car – its cheapest vehicle so far. Chief executive Elon Musk said the five-seater would start at £24,423 and be able to go over 215 miles on a single charge.

Tributes continue to pour in for comedian Ronnie Corbett, who died yesterday, aged 85.

And finally, Premier League football returns this weekend after the international break. Leaders Leicester City take on Southampton on Sunday as they continue to close down their shock title win.

Like The Suffolk Gazette on Facebook NOW!

Please support my running costs by clicking here and buying me a beer!
[olimometer id=1]