The national minimum wage should be left at current levels in 2009 due to the economic downturn, according to The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).  

The BCC believes that the minimum wage should not be increased until the economic situation has significantly improved, as many businesses are already struggling and an increase at a similar level to 2008 would cost firms around £300m.

"We're not opposed to the minimum wage going up when employment is high and the economy is doing well, but when jobs are being lost daily and a recession is in full swing, it makes no sense to increase it," said David Frost, director general of the BCC. 

The minimum wage for employees over 21 increased by 3.8% in October to £5.73 per hour and stands at £4.77 for staff between 18-21 and £3.53 for those aged 16-17.