Minimum wage

The national minimum wage will increase from £5.52 to £5.73 per hour for all workers aged over 21, from October 2008.

The rate for those aged 18–21 will increase from £4.60 to £4.77, and from £3.40 to £3.53 for those aged 16–17.

Retail union USDAW has welcomed the rise, but is disappointed that the Government did not accept recommendations to reduce the age at which the adult rate applies to 18-year olds.