Many students working while studying can look forward to a pay raise in October when the national minimum wage is increased.

The rate for workers aged 18-21 will rise by 15p to £4.60 an hour, while those aged over 22 will get an extra 17p, going from £5.35 to £5.52.

The minimum wage increases were recommended by the government's Low Pay Commission and were accepted by the Trade and Industry Secretary, Alistair Darling.

Trade Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Bosses who fail to pay the minimum wage leave vulnerable workers in poverty and undercut the majority of employers who are happy to obey the law. Everybody stands to gain from making the minimum wage as robust as possible, therefore the Government should use the coming year to continue moving their enforcement work up a gear."

Make sure you do not miss out on a pay rise in October – be sure to make a note of the minimum you should be earning when the change comes into force.