Minimum wage to increase, govt reveals

The government has announced that the UK's National Minimum Wage (NMW) is to increase.

Its decision came despite pressure from business groups to keep the minimum wage at its current level to avoid putting extra financial pressure on firms during the ongoing recession.

As of October, the NMW will rise from £5.73 to £5.80 an hour for workers over the age of 21.

In addition, the rate for 18 to 21-year-olds will increase by 6p to £4.83, while those aged 16 and 17 will see a rise of 4p to £3.57.

Commenting on the move, business secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has carefully examined the latest economic data before making their recommendations on the minimum wage rate, balancing the needs of workers and businesses in the current economic climate."

A non-departmental public body which advises the government about issues relating to the NMW, the LPC was established under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998.
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13/05/2009 15:45

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