The national minimum wage will rise

The national minimum wage will rise by 17p to Pounds 5.52 an hour from October 2007, it was confirmed last week. In line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission, the rate for 18- to 21-year-olds will increase from £4.45 to £4.60 and the rate for 16- and 17-year-olds will rise from £3.30 to £3.40. The rise represents an increase in adult wages of 3.2 per cent for 1.3 million workers. This is the first time since the minimum wage!s introduction in 1999 that the government!s annual hike has not risen above inflation.