A three-month government campaign to boost awareness of the national minimum wage and help expose cases of underpayment has been unveiled - on a bus.

The nation-wide initiative was launched in London with the unveiling of a minimum wage information tour bus.

The bus, with the slogan - £5.52: Are you on board? - will travel to more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, providing free help and information to members of the public, as well as access to online and over the phone.

It is estimated that one million people in the UK earn the national minimum wage, which increased in October last year to £5.52 for people aged 22 and over, to £3.40 for 16-17 year olds, and £4.60 for 18-21 year olds.

The minister for employment relations, Pat McFadden, who launched the campaign, said: "Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work. We want to make sure workers know their rights and employers know their responsibilities.

"The national minimum wage remains one of the most important new rights introduced by this government. Employers who do not pay the minimum wage are not only cheating workers, they are undercutting honest businesses.

"This information campaign will help provide those most at risk of underpayment with the advice and support they need to take action where necessary."

The Department for Business, which is funding the campaign, hopes the bus will reach almost 800,000 people during its journey.

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