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Trade union calls for rise in minimum wage

Jul 03 2008

TU calls for rise in minimum wage

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New research shows that the national minimum wage should be raised, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

It is a move that would potentially affect small businesses but the survey illustrates that such an increase is necessary, says TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that Britons see a wage of £13,400 as the minimum needed to enjoy a reasonable 'basic' standard of living.

Barber calls the survey, which was based on the opinions of representatives of all socio-economic groups, 'useful evidence' in the fight for raising the minimum wage.

However, he adds that people should be 'cautious' about basing a whole argument on one survey.

Last time the minimum wage was raised, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) described the increase as 'appropriate' because it was in line with inflation.

According to the FSB, previous above-inflation rises had caused problems for smaller firms whose profits were threatened, particularly in areas such as leisure, hotels and catering.

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