Ed Miliband sets out Labour's minimum wage plans
Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 3:38 pmEd Miliband says a Labour government would set a statutory minimum wage target linked to average earnings, as he set out plans to tackle low pay.
The party will announce an exact figure - covering the years 2015 to 2020 - nearer the general election.
Mr Miliband said it was a "scandal" that there were five million people in work who "can't make ends meet".
Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have already said they want a rise in the minimum wage.
However any major increase is likely to be criticised by business groups worried that it would drive up costs and damage competitiveness.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Downing Street believed that as a result of economic growth there could be a real terms increase in the level of the minimum wage, but that it should remain a matter for the Low Pay Commission to recommend its level.
Mr Miliband said there would always be voices against change, but insisted it was "time to raise our sights" on tackling low pay.
He said Britain's future lay in higher productivity, skills and wages.
