Q&A: The minimum wage

The national minimum wage for adult workers in the UK is £6.31.

Wage campaigners argue that this does not equate to a "living wage" and have called for an increase to reflect the cost of living.

Some politicians have been calling for a revision as well, with some cabinet ministers suggesting a 50p increase is needed.

There are also suggestions that a minimum wage "top-up" in areas of high costs and higher average earnings could be introduced - paid for by employers.

Labour politicians have also talked of backing a significant rise in the minimum wage, but without specific figures- and of having a higher "minimum" in some sectors of the economy.

What is the national UK minimum wage, and who gets it?

Do employers have an obligation to pay at least these amounts?

How is the minimum wage level decided?

What is the 'living wage'?

How much do UK workers earn?

How many people in the UK do minimum wage jobs?

How do the UK's wages compare internationally?