The TUC (Trades Union Congress) has given the thumbs-up to a slight rise in the minimum wage, which most adult UK workers are eligible for. In a statement the TUC said: "Its success has shown that — despite scare-mongering from some business voices — the economy can easily cope with sensible labour market regulation. Indeed, our current economic woes seem to be caused by too little regulation rather than too much." The employment ministry added that the main 13p per hour increases "are appropriate for the economic climate."