A Bangor, Co Down, company, Cascade Blinds, is facing Northern Ireland's first minimum wage action.

The Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which has a network of over 20 offices, expects the case to spur other dissatisfied employees into action. CAB chief executive Derek Alcorn said that his organisation has evidence that some employers are trying to avoid paying the minimum wage, which is £3.60 an hour for employees aged 22 or over, and £3 for those between 18 and 21.

"We have been asked by the Low Pay Commission to carry out detailed research on how the statutory requirement is being implemented in Northern Ireland," Mr Alcorn said. "There is evidence that employers are not keen on the minimum wage, and that they are going to some lengths to avoid paying it."

"Low pay is a substantial problem in this part of the world," he added. "And we see the minimum wage as a way of alleviating poverty."