On 15 April 2013 the government announced that from October the national minimum wage will rise by: 12p to £6.31 for adults, 5p to £5.03 for 18-20 years old and by 4p to £3.72 for 16-17 year olds.
The rate for apprentices under 19, or those 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship will rise 3p to £2.68.
The increase was criticised by the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chambers of Commerce who were concerned that the increase would add to the cost pressures on small businesses.
