But, as ever, with each minimum wage increase comes the predictable wave of protests from business saying that it cannot afford another rise.

We're not saying that we should turn into a nation of clock-watchers. Most people do not mind putting in some extra time when there's a crisis or an unexpected rush. But too many workplaces have come to depend on very long hours. They get taken for granted and staff have to do even more if there is an unexpected rush,

Agency workers deserve a better deal...Today's announcement gives a green light to those unscrupulous employers who will continue to exploit agency workers.

For four years the agency workers directive has been blocked by various governments, including our own, and now it is destined to sit on a Brussels shelf for many more years to come,

The increase will see well over a million low-paid workers with more cash in their pockets, many of them women working part-time,

Instead of the further help for the better-off that new incentives would provide, the government should phase in compulsory savings for employers and employees.