Minimum wage up by 12p per hour from October

The following rates will come into force from 1 October:

• The rate for adults aged 21 and over will rise by 12p per hour from £6.19 to £6.31.

• The rate for 18-20 year olds will rise by 5p per hour from £4.98 to £5.03.

• The rate for 16-17 year olds will rise by 4p an hour from £3.68 to £3.72.

• The rate for apprentices will increase by 3p an hour from £2.65 to £2.68.

While the Government accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission to increase the minimum wage for adults and youths, it rejected its recommendation to freeze the rate for apprentices.

Business Secretary Vince Cable says: "The independent Low Pay Commission plays a crucial role in advising the Government when setting the national minimum wage every year. It balances wages of low paid workers against employment prospects if the rate was set too high.

"We are accepting its recommendations for the adult and youth rate increases, which I am confident strikes this balance. However, there is worrying evidence that a significant number of employers are not paying apprentices the relevant minimum wage rate."