Minimum wage rise met with mixed reactions

Chris added that assessing how employers will cope with future rises must be considered: "It's important that the Low Pay Commission ensures fair pay, but it must continue to balance this against the ability of employers to cope with the additional financial burden." Not everyone is happy with the new level. Dave Prentis, the Unison leader, told the Scotsman newspaper: "A much more realistic figure would be a minimum wage of £6.75 an hour, which would lift many more families out of poverty. The government stands by its decision to raise the National Minimum Wage and Business Secretary John Hutton said: "The National Minimum Wage remains one of the most important rights introduced by the Government in the last decade. I am proud of the minimum wage, it makes a real difference to the lives of many of our lowest paid workers and protects them from exploitation. It also creates a level playing field for business and boosts the economy."