Further substantial increases needed to national minimum wage, says TUC

1 Oct 2014 12:19 PM

Commenting on the new national minimum wage (NMW) rates that come into force today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It is good news to see the worst paid adult workers receiving a pay release above inflation for the first time for six years. But it’s a muted celebration because the minimum wage would be worth at least £7 today had it kept up with rising prices.

“Politicians from all parties and many business leaders now agree that the minimum wage should increase far more rapidly. Britain needs a pay rise and a wages-led recovery is the best chance we have of sustaining economic growth and restoring living standards.”

Notes To Editors

- The Low Pay Commission estimates that between 1.1 and 1.3 million adults will benefit from today’s increase. The TUC estimates that around 60 per cent of the beneficiaries will be women.

- The national minimum wage is actively enforced. Contact the official Pay and Work Rights Helpline for further information (P&WR helpline number: 0800 917 2368; https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline)

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