Minimum wage hike ‘vital’, as one in six workers living in poverty

Government officials have come under pressure to increase the minimum wage after it emerged one in six workers are living below the poverty line.

Opposition TDs revealed the scale of the hidden recession during a question and answer session with Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and junior minister Ged Nash.

Socialist Party TD Paul Murphy and Sinn Féin’s jobs spokesperson Peadar Tóibín, said a minimum wage rise is vital if any improvements are to be shared with those most in need.