People are calling David Cameron's national living wage tweet an April Fool's joke

The announcement came as the UK was waking up to a deluge of pranks and fake stories

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David Cameron has tweeted his “pride” in bringing in the National Living Wage – only for his tweet to be mocked as an April Fool.

The tweet was sent from the Prime Minister’s official account as the UK woke up to the annual deluge of fake news stories and pranks.

“I'm proud the National Living Wage comes into force today,” it said. “It requires employers to pay workers over 25 at least £7.20 per hour.”

But some people have taken the opportunity to have a little dig at the Prime Minister.

“HA best April fools ever David. Good one. You are such a card,” wrote one commenter.

Another added: “I fear the new National Living Wage is a very cruel Tory April Fools' joke.”

Others said the "joke" was actually the new rate of pay, claiming it was merely a "rebrand" of the minimum wage and could cause job losses.

Dozens of people asked whether the announcement is in jest, while many noted the timing.

“Such an appropriate day to bring it in!” said on Twitter user.

The hourly rate for over-25s is increasing by 50p from £6.70 but there has been criticism over the decision to exclude younger workers.

The Government's aim is to increase the rate to £9 an hour by 2020, which would affect an estimated nine million people.