Low-paid workers are to receive a 10p-an-hour rise, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has revealed.

In a House of Commons written answer, she said that the level for more than 1.5 million workers will go up to £4.20 an hour from October. The youth rate for 18 to 21-year-olds will also increase by 10p to £3.60 an hour.

Forum Response: Usdaw

A spokesman for Usdaw told ePolitix.com: "Any increase in the minimum wage is welcome but we feel that it is a case of too little too late. We believe that the minimum wage should be £5 per hour. The trade union movement as a whole feels it is too low.

"Usdaw is also against the current different levels of minimum wage for those aged between 16 and 21 and those aged over 21. In service industries and retail, everybody should earn the same level.

"The current system leaves the door open to unscrupulous employers who could fire an employee when he or she reaches 21 because they face upping their pay to a new level.

"In our opinion, the government has provided no coherent argument against the introduction of one minimum wage level for all workers."

Forum Response: Six Continents

A spokeswoman for Six Continents said, "Six Continents supports the principle of a national minimum wage. This year's rise is in line with our expectations and will be implemented, where appropriate, in October."

Forum Response: Unison

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, told ePolitix.com: "The government has no excuse for keeping the minimum wage so low. This a wasted opportunity to do something concrete to alleviate poverty. There should be an immediate increase to turn it into a Living Wage - £5 an hour would be a good start.

"As for the youth rate, it should be abolished. Just because you are under 22 it doesn't mean that you pay less for essentials in life like food, shelter and clothing.

"No one in full time employment should have to rely on state benefits just to make ends meet, and the tax payers should not have to subsidise miserly employers."