Teenagers can earn as little as �1 or �2 an hour

Workers under the age of 18 are not currently covered by the national minimum age, and can earn as little as �1 or �2 an hour, the union body said.

The Low Pay Commission's recommendations on the future of the national minimum wage are currently with the government, who will decide on future rates within the next month.

The TUC believes that introducing a minimum wage of �3 an hour would raise the pay of about 65,000 young workers, while increasing it to �3.60 would deliver a pay rise to about 45% or some 290,000 workers.

Take a tip

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary Elect, said: "A government report from two years ago said that the days of employers paying workers �1 or �2 per hour are gone.

"But there are still reports of 16 and 17 years olds being exploited in this way and without an enforceable minimum wage they have nowhere to turn."

The TUC Young Members' Forum is launching a 'take a tip card' that encourages young workers to find out about their rights at work and how they can exercise them.

The card directs workers to the TUC Know Your Rights Helpline (0870 600 4882) and working life website.