Minimum wage rises around Europe

Minimum pay rates went up in three European states last month, but each increase reflected the national rather the EU situation and the rates are still wide apart.

In Spain, where minimum rates reflect the government's forecast for inflation, there was an increase of 2.0% to a monthly rate of €451.20. This rate applies to all workers, irrespective of age.

In the Netherlands, where the minimum rate increases in line with negotiated pay deals, the rate went up by 3.5% as compared to January 2002, although there is also an interim increase in July. The current rate is €1,249.20 a month, or €57.66 a day. However, this only applies to those aged 23 and over.

In Portugal, where the government decides the increase in the light of inflation and other issues, the rate also went up by 3.5% to €356.6 a month. There is also a separate rate for domestic work, which is very slightly lower at €353.20 a month.