The TUC is calling for the Government to review its minimum wage legislation as young people under the age of 18 are still being paid as little as 1 an hour.
As a prelude to soon to be announced recommendations on pay rates by the Low Pay Commission, the TUC said minimum wage rules should be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds.
Talking at the TUC's Young Members Forum last week, Brendan Barber, general secretary elect, said the TUC believed that 16 and 17-year-olds were being "exploited" because there was no enforceable minimum wage and they had "nowhere to turn".
The TUC is calling for a young workers' rate of 3 an hour.
