Earnings figures for the three months to July are used for the yearly increase.

The policy has been a success, but economists have raised questions around its fairness and its sustainability.

The firm will restart production on 24 September but industry sources warn the impact could last longer.

Official data shows the number of people who received winter fuel payments after now-reversed government cuts.

The pottery firm's Barlaston site will pause production from 29 September, with 70 workers on temporary leave.