Liam welcomed the news announced today by Prime Minister Gordon Brown that the National Minimum Wage is set to rise again.

The adult rate will rise from £5.52 to £5.73 whilst the rate for 18-21 year-olds increases from £4.60 to £4.77 and 16 and 17 year-olds must be paid at least £3.53 from October this year.

Liam said:

“I'm delighted we've raised the minimum wage - this will boost low-paid workers in Hodge Hill, many of whom are women. We got it right when we introduced the minimum wage when others were criticising our plans. Hard-working families have benefited and will continue to benefit."

The Government has also boosted funding for enforcing the minimum wage is paid to all workers and is planning tough new penalties for rogue employers who underpay staff as part of the Employment Bill, now before the Parliament.