One in five young workers are illegally paid less than the national minimum wage, research suggests.

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A study by the Young Women’s Trust, a charity that supports and represents women aged 30 and under in England and Wales, revealed the figure was higher among young black people, at 25%.

A survey of more than 4,000 people aged 18-30 indicated that those in London were most likely to report being underpaid, while those in the east Midlands were least likely.

The charity said many young people were facing financial crisis and falling into debt because of low pay.

The trust’s chief executive, Carole Easton, said: “Paying young people less than the minimum wage is not just illegal, it is immoral. Low wages are leaving many unable to afford the basics. When the bus to work or an hour’s childcare cost more than an hour’s wages, it’s no wonder so many young workers are falling into debt and resorting to food banks.

“Young Women’s Trust is calling on the government to crack down on employers who are not complying with the law. Alongside enforcing existing laws, ministers should also raise the minimum wage for young people by extending the national living wage to under-25s, who can currently be paid less for the same work.”

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A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: “It is illegal for employers not to pay at least the national minimum wage. This year the government is spending a record £26.3m on ensuring the UK’s lowest-paid workers get what they are owed, and we have also put in place reforms ensuring employment law and practices keep pace with modern ways of working.”