I don't know what I'm talking about . . oh sorry I forgot, I'm a mancunian I must be thick. Despite the fact i've read about as much about this countrys economic as was possible during the campaign for the living wage. Basically we cannot raise the minimum wage at the moment above the rate of inflation. The less employers pay people, the more people they can employ. Hard economic facts. As a labour activist, which I am proud to be and whatever you may think I have labour values and definitely believe in greater equality. But - raising the minimum wage massively above the right of inflation wouldn't work. Remember, who brought in the minimum wage in the face of massive opposition and who has raised it ever since.