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Poverty increases - but so does minimum wage
A Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports that there are more poor households in Britain today than under the previous government.
The report, compiled by the New Policy Institute think tank, shows that in 1998-99 there were 14.25 million people in households with less than half average income - half a million more than the previous high point in 1992-93. However, time lags in the publication of official data prevent a clear picture of the impact of the minimum wage and other benefits.
The Guardian reports that the minimum wage is set to rise to £4 per hour under plans being considered by the government. The eight per cent increase is being seen as preparing the ground for a spring election next year.
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