UK minimum wage continues success with April increase, boosting pay and closing inequality gap

• Minimum wage has increased UK lowest earners' pay by £6,000 a year since 1999 introduction, making it a very successful policy • Minimum wage to increase again on April 1st to £11.44, marking one of the highest annual rises in its history
• Independent Low Pay Commission credited as important part of minimum wage's success • MPs encouraged to consider expanding commission's oversight to other low pay issues like statutory sick pay
• While evidence on minimum wages is mixed, UK data shows they've helped close pay inequality gap between high and low earners