YORKSHIRE & Humberside Low Pay Unit has called on the Government to increase the national minimum wage to keep pace with average earnings.
YHLPU director Ian Harknett points out that latest Government figures show that average earnings increased in Britain by 2.3 per cent in the year to last April and by 3.7 per cent in the Yorkshire region, yet the national minimum wage remained static at £3.80 for 18 months after its introduction on April 1, 1999.
It was then increased by 10 pence, equal to an annual increase of 1.8 per cent - below price inflation and less than the increase in average earnings.
"An increase to £4 would be an affordable next step towards giving the lowest paid workers a fair deal," said Mr Harknett.
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