National Minimum Wage 4. What impact the increase in the national minimum wage will have on employment in Wales. There is little or no evidence of higher costs feeding into higher prices, or of a negative employment effect as a result of the minimum wage. Indeed, jobs are being created, especially in the service sector where the national minimum wage has the most impact. The policy is successful and has the approval of not only trade unions and the low paid themselves, but the Confederation of British Industry, small businesses and even the Institute of Directors, which has said that the national minimum wage has been a success.
Friend is right.
Many people were forced on to slave wages, and to areas such as the Cynon Valley, where wages were low. Does he agree that more than 70 per cent. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, is welcome. It will, as my hon. Friend says said, most benefit women and people on the lowest incomes.