Commenting on the government’s announcement today that the National Minimum Rates for younger workers will increase again in October, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We are pleased the government is increasing minimum wage rates across the board. Low-paid workers must not be left behind by the recovery.

“However, we do not seeing the logic or fairness in treating 21-24 year-olds differently from other adults. They should be on the same hourly pay as over 25s.

“And if the government wants to attract more young people into apprenticeships, then it needs to up the £3.40 apprenticeship rate.

“Future minimum wage increases must do more to narrow the pay gap between old and young.”

Today the Prime Minister announced that:

• the National Minimum Wage for 21- to 24-year-olds will rise by 3.7% to £6.95 an hour

• 18- to 20-year-olds will see their minimum wage rise by 4.7% to £5.55 an hour

• the minimum wage for 16- to 17-year-olds will rise by 3.4% to £4.00 an hour

• apprentices will see their wage rise by 3% to £3.40 an hour

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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