The Government have just confirmed increases to the national minimum wage, which will see the adult rate rise to £5.93 an hour on October 1. The 13p rise was proposed by the previous Labour government, as well as a 9p hike in the rate for 18- to 20-year-olds to £4.92 and a 7p increase for 16- and 17-year-olds to £3.64. The Government added that the remit of the Low Pay Commission for making future recommendations will include paying particular attention to the competitiveness of small firms and the employment prospects of young people.