APRIL 1 marked 20 years since the National Minimum Wage was introduced by the then Labour government following the passing of the 1998 Act of Parliament.

In 2010, the NMW was voted the most successful policy of the previous 30 years in a survey of Political Studies Association members by the Institute for Government.

As of April 1, the wage is £8.21 per hour for people aged 25 and over, £7.70 for 21 to 24 year olds, £6.15 for 18 to 20 year olds, £4.35 for under 18s and £3.90 for apprentices.

Unison is now campaigning for a fair minimum wage which does not discriminate on the basis of age.

Now more needs to be done to help families and that is why the next Labour government will make tackling the crisis in low pay and insecure work a priority.

We have pledged to ban zero-hour contracts, end the public sector pay cap and introduce a Real Living Wage of £10 an hour by 2020.

It is totally unacceptable for any employer to evade the minimum wage.

Anyone who believes they are not being paid what they are entitled to should raise it with their employer in the first instance, or call the confidential Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 for further advice and assistance.

Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood, Shadow works & pensions secretary