The minimum wage should be extended to 16 and 17-year old workers, the TUC has argued.

In its latest submission to the Low Pay Commission, the union body warned that some young employees were being paid as little as £1.80 per hour.

At present, the minimum wage stands at £3.80 per hour for 18 to 21-year-olds and £4.50 an hour for workers over the age of 22.

However the TUC argued that a wage at a "prudent level" would prevent exploitation of those young people who decide not to continue education or further training and should come into force from October 2004.

"Our goal is that all 16 and 17-year olds should be in education or training, but when they work, as many do, they should get proper protection from exploitation and poverty pay," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

"We believe it's perfectly possible to set a rate that protects the exploited but has no adverse effects on youth employment.

"The Low Pay Commission should tell the government that a minimum wage for young people is right in principle."