Workers in the UK enjoy one of the highest minimum wages in the EU, falling just behind Ireland and Luxembourg.

Figures published by Eurostat, the statistical Office of the European Communities reveals the variance in minimum wage levels across Europe, as taken in January 2007. Workers in Luxembourg fared the best taking home 1,570 euros per month with the Irish following close behind on 1,403 euros.

In the UK the figures also make for pleasant reading with workers taking home a statutory £916 per month (1,361 euros) a remuneration that falls to just 92 euros per month for workers in Bulgaria and 114 euros a month for those in Romania.

In the USA, the federal minimum wage was just 676 euros per month in January 2007, and 1.3 per cent of employees received the minimum wage.