The US federal minimum wage increases today by 70 cents on Thursday, to $6.55 per hour from $5.85. The increase will raise the minimum wage in 25 states; the other 25 have minimum wages higher than $6.55 and the move will affect around two million workers. But will rising food prices simply swallow up the real income boost that the rise in the pay floor provides? And is it wise to rack up the minimum wage at a time of recession? What will happen to employment in the low skilled segments of the US labour market? Coverage here via the Associated Press and also the Charlotte Observer in North Carolina.

Another UK restaurant chain has been exposed for paying the staff less than half of the UK minimum wage of £5.73 an hour and using tips and other gratuities to make up the difference - there is a groundswell of public opinion that this is inequitable and may require further government intervention