Minimum wages boosted

Byline: HENRYK ZIENTEK

OVER a million workers will benefit from an increase in the national minimum wage this week, with women making up two thirds of those affected, according to a new study.

The TUC said the rise on Wednesday from pounds 5.52 to pounds 5.73 an hour will help reduce the gender pay gap and save the taxpayer pounds 245 million in benefit payments.

The 3.8% rise is the ninth increase since the statutory rate was introduced by the Labour Government in 1998, giving an increase of 59%, compared to a 44% growth in average earnings over the same period.

Introducing a minimum wage has not led to any significant job cuts despite predictions from some business lobbyists, said the union organisation.

The TUC said the Low Pay Commission should recommend a "significant" increase for next year.

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