National Minimum Wage Increases

We are at that time of year again when the National Minimum Wage rates are subject to annual review and increase.  The new rates will also now apply to agricultural workers.

From 1^st October the standard adult minimum hourly rate increases from £6.19 to £6.31, the young workers rate from £3.68 to £3.72 and the apprenticeship rate from £2.65 to £2.68.

I suppose the argument continues as to whether the imposition of minimum rates are to be welcomed because they avoid worker exploitation or are to be condemned because they discourage recruitment.  Based on the new adult rate and assuming a 40 hour working week, this current increase only amounts to an annual increase in gross income of £249.60 or £4.80 a week, which is not a great sum of money.  I struggle to see how rates at this level can prove any great disincentive to employers.