NZ govt announces minimum wage rise

The minimum wage for over-16 workers in New Zealand has been increased.

Labour minister Trevor Mallard announced this week that the minimum wage requirement would rise to $12 (£4.60) an hour, effective April 2008.

In addition, the lower limit for 16 and 17-year-olds will be scrapped in favour of a new rate of $9.60 or 80 per cent of the adult wage for the first 200 hours or three months of work.

"This increase will ensure that lower paid workers share the benefits of economic growth; it will encourage people to join the workforce and provide protection for some of New Zealand's most vulnerable workers," Mr Mallard explained.

Last month, the New Zealand parliament passed the Employment Relations (Flexible Working Arrangements) Amendment Act 2007 to give certain workers the right to request more flexible working patterns.

Eligible employees include those who are carers and have been employed in their jobs for at least six months.