TRADE union leaders in Britain are backing a Europe-wide campaign to increase minimum wage rates.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said yesterday that many countries’ current statutory rates are insufficient to lift workers out of poverty.

Confederal secretary Esther Lynch called on the EU to set a target for increasing minimum wages across Europe, as this would help drive economic growth.

The TUC said Britain’s current £7.50 an hour minimum wage should rise to £10 as soon as possible, and must apply to younger workers as well.

“Millions of people are living in poverty despite being part of working households,” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady.

“Younger workers deserve to be treated fairly. It’s not fair that young adults are getting less pay than their colleagues for the same work. They face the same living costs.

“This new campaign by the ETUC is much needed. Poverty pay has no place in the UK or anywhere in Europe.”