One in three bosses would back a higher minimum wage - but traditionally low pay sectors have concerns over the "one size fits all" national rate, finds new research.

A national survey of employers has found that nearly a third would support a minimum wage rate higher than the £4.20 due to come into effect in October.

The IRS Employment Review found that most would support annual rises - with 40 per cent favouring a settlement index-linked to inflation.

Nearly two thirds believe the national pay rate does not take account of regional or industry differences.

Support for the minimum wage was lowest in the retail and hospitality sectors, the survey found.

"The results show clearly that the vast majority of employers support this October's 2.4 per cent rise in the minimum wage," said IRS's Jeremy Baugh.

"But while support for the increase is widespread, a majority of employers still harbour serious misgivings about the way it operates in practice."