TUC unveils plan for £15 minimum wage as cost of living crisis rages

Unions have released a roadmap to increase the minimum wage of £15 an hour and warned that the 'high-wage economy' promised by the government requires more than 'wishful thinking'.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) proposal ) says a £15 minimum wage is needed "as soon as possible", with a cost of living crisis deepening after years of stagnant wages.

"Millions of low-wage workers are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by - and they are now being pushed to the brink by sky-high bills and skyrocketing prices," said the general secretary of the TUC, Frances O'Grady.

"The Ministers have repeatedly promised a high-wage economy, but they need a real plan to deliver it - not just convenient political work an year."

The hourly wage floor for adults over age 23 is currently £9.50, with lower rates for young workers and apprentices.

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The government's current plan is to raise the minimum wage to two-thirds of the average wage by 2024, a mandate it has given to the committee which decides how much it should be increased.

This approach should leave the rate at £10.50 next year, economic conditions permitting. Ministers also want to raise the rate for workers over 21.

Under the approach outlined by the TUC, the mandate of the Low Pay Commission would be changed...