TUC calls for minimum wage rise

05/12/2008 12:17

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called for the minimum wage to be increased to six pounds 10 pence an hour next year and upped another 40 pence in 2010.

The TUC warned the Low Pay Commission (LPC) not to be cautious about the next rise in the rate for over 22-year-olds, which is currently five pounds 73 pence an hour.

It also said the age for being paid the statutory adult rate should be lowered to 21 and eventually reduced to 18.

General secretary Brendan Barber said a low minimum wage would leave low paid workers in poverty unnecessarily and result in consumer spending sitting around 250 million pounds below where it should be.

He added that setting a decent legal minimum wage was vital in establishing a fairer system of work and fighting poverty.

The LPC is currently considering the minimum wage rate to apply from 1 October 2009.

© Press Association 2008