Apprentices' minimum contractual payment to rise by 15 per week

Former secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills John Denham announced from Saturday 1 August apprentices must be paid at least £95 per week. The average pay for apprentices stands at £170 per week, according to Government figures.

Currently older apprentices, or those under the age of 17 in their first year of an apprenticeship, are exempt from the National Minimum Wage and are reliant on the minimum contractual payment. The TUC believes this accounts for 70% of apprentices.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Thanks to union campaigning, some of the worst-paid apprentices should receive a much needed pay increase. The majority of apprentices are well above the minimum rate. But for many trainees, particularly young women, struggling on about £80 a week, an extra £15 will go a long way."