Why is it important?

Ten years of the national minimum wage is well worth celebrating. It has raised the living standards of the lowest paid, and helped close the gap between men and women's pay.

We want to make sure it's there for future generations of workers. And that's why it's vital that we defend the minimum wage in the current economic climate.

The lowest paid workers are being hardest hit by the credit crunch. Coming on top of a year that has seen big rises in the price of fuel and food, it's hard to even pay for the basics.

Increasing the national minimum wage to a fair rate for all workers would help boost spending and stimulate the economy.

At a time like this it's even more important to make sure the national minimum wage continues to be properly supported by the government.

 

Campaign supported by: UNISON, British Youth Council, Child Poverty Action Group, Institute of Employment Rights, National Union of Students, Trade Union Congress, YWCA England & Wales

Funded by UNISON's general political fund