Government issues warning over minimum wage

The government has warned employers that it will take tough measures against those who do not comply with minimum wage standards.

The national minimum wage (NMW) increases from today (1 October), with adults aged over 22 set for a rise in their hourly rate from £5.52 to £5.73.

Employment Relations minister Pat McFadden has warned that his department will not tolerate companies that break the rules.

He said: "The vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly and have nothing to fear from these changes."

"Stronger enforcement will help prevent rogue bosses from undercutting honest competitors."

Employees aged between 18 and 22 will see their hourly rate rise to £4.77, while staff members aged 16 or 17 will now receive £3.53 per hour.

The NMW was introduced in the first half of 1998 to ensure fairer standards for employees, and has since seen an accumulative 60% rise since its inception.