An increase in the national minimum wage for workers under 25 to £6.95, which came into effect yesterday, was given a cautious welcome by trade unions in the South West.

South West TUC Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said: ‘The increase will be welcome news for young workers, but there is no justification for paying people in their early 20s 25p an hour less than other adults. 

‘Their employment rate is rising and they work just as hard as older workers, yet are entitled to less at the end of the week. That’s simply not right.’