Minimum wage boost for apprentices

Currently the minimum an apprentice can earn in a week is £80. On average, most apprentices earn £170 a week.

The new weekly minimum will come into force next August and benefit around 26,000 apprentices, mostly women working in less well-paid sectors such as hairdressing and social care.

It follows a review carried out by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, looking at apprentice pay.

Speaking at the Trades Union Congress conference, Denham said: "We have rescued apprenticeships and trebled the number of people taking them up since 1997."

Children's Secretary Ed Balls added: "It is only fair that while people are working and training they are paid a decent wage. It is vital for the future success of this country that we develop everyone's skills to the full and apprenticeships are key to doing this."