George Osborne backs minimum wage rise to £7 per hour
The minimum wage could rise to £7 an hour by 2015, Chancellor George Osborne has told the BBC. Osborne said the "economy can now afford" an above-inflation rise.
Duncan Smith backs 'bold move' on minimum wage
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has welcomed George Osborne's "bold move" of backing an increase in the minimum wage.
"It shows that at the heart of all our reforms this Government is concerned to improve the quality of life for the poorest in society," he said.
"The commitment to a higher national minimum wage is all part of ensuring that the economic recovery delivers for people who want to work hard and play by the rules."
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Surprise turnaround as Osborne backs minimum wage rise
The Chancellor has said he is in favour of a rise in the minimum wage above the rate of inflation in an apparent turnaround.
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Osborne spins on minimum wage as general election looms
Chancellor George Osborne has said that the country can afford an above-inflation increase in the national minimum wage ahead of elections.