years of austerity, a pay rise is agreed for 1.3 million NHS staff, with minimum increases of at least 6.5% over three years and some employees receiving as much as 29%. 23 March Ahmed Hassan, perpetrator of the Parsons Green bombing, is sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 34 years. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn sacks Owen Smith from the Shadow Cabinet for calling for a second EU referendum, in contrast with official party policy and was replaced by Tony Lloyd. Smith was an ardent supporter of Britain continuing membership of the EU. 28 March – The UK Government announces that consumers in England will soon pay a deposit when they buy drinks bottles and cans in a bid to boost recycling and cut waste, but consumers will get the money back if they return the container. 31 March Professor Stephen Hawking's funeral takes place at the Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge. The UK Government had received a request from the Russian Embassy to visit Yulia Skripal in hospital after the 4 March poisoning. April 1 April All privately rented properties in England and Wales must have a minimum energy performance rating of "E". The National Living Wage for people over 25 increased from £7.50 to £7.83 an hour. Workers between 21 and 24 received an hourly pay rise from £7.05 to £7.38, wages rose from £5.60 to £5.90 for 18–20 year olds, from £4.05 to £4.20 for 16–17 year olds and from £3.50 to £3.70 for apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. 4 April – A 78-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of murder after a suspected burglar, armed with a screwdriver, forced the man into his kitchen where a struggle ensued and the burglar was stabbed to death. 5 April – All firms with at least 250 employees must reveal data about their pay differences between men and women. 11 April – A £70,000,000 plan to extend Birmingham's Alexander Stadium has been announced for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed this on a visit to the city. 13 April – The London Stock Exchange announces that it has appointed David Schwimmer as Chief Executive who will take up the post on 1 August to replace Xavier Rolet who quit the role last November. 16 April – TV presenter Ant McPartlin appeared at court