The National Minimum Wage will increase by 21p in October to £5.73 per hour.

The figure will increase from £5.52 and as of autumn 2008 the rates will be as follows:

• £5.73 for workers aged 22 and over;

• £4.77 for workers aged 18 to 21;

• £3.53 for workers aged 16 to 17.