A business adviser has warned a forced rise in wages could be disastrous.

Michael Ogilvie, of Ogilvie Booth Coles, based in Eastbourne, said business owners should prepare themselves for a hike in the National Minimum Wage, which could increase more next year.

Government ministers have already set it at £4.50 an hour for adults, a rise of 30p, from October this year.

Mr Ogilvie warned it could climb to £5 an hour next year.

He said: "This will place a massive burden on businesses in the South-East and it is important they start planning for the impact now, rather than waiting."

Tuesday November 04, 2003