Friday 8th of May 2009
The Low Pay Commission has been urged to increase the national minimum wage when it meets next week.
Business organisations have called for the rate to be frozen at its current level of £5.73 per hour for adult workers, arguing that jobs will be threatened if a rise is implemented.
However, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) stated that doing so would harm low earners, noting that wages continued to rise in previous recessions.
Workers who are struggling to make ends meet while keeping on top of financial commitments such as loans and credit cards may wish to consider a debt management programme to help them get back on track.
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, remarked: "The same employer groups warned us ten years ago that introducing the minimum wage would destroy jobs. In fact it has been one of this government’s greatest successes."
Mr Barber recently expressed concern that UK unemployment is "catching up" with other European countries.
