The National Minimum Wage rates will come into effect on 1 October 2011:

• The adult rate will increase by 15p to £6.08 an hour;
• The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 6p to £4.98 an hour;
• The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to £3.68 an hour; and
• The rate for apprentices will increase by 10p to £2.60 an hour.

• “The change to the National Minimum Wage rates announced today is the wrong increase, at the wrong time," according to David Frost, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce. "With over a million unemployed, the priority has to be getting people back into the job market. Youth unemployment is at a record high and we can’t afford to price young people out of work. It’s clear from speaking to businesses that a significant number are having to freeze wages in 2011. These changes will be a barrier to job creation, and ultimately economic recovery.”

What do you think?