On this day in 1999

On 1 April 1999, the national minimum wage came into force. According to government claims, some workers were previously being paid as little as 35p an hour and the introduction of a minimum wage aimed to put an end to such exploitation. Initially it was set at £3.60 an hour, but it has gradually increased over the years. Some people still argue that it is too low, and some employers still underpay employees despite the threat of heavy fines.