FAMILY-run firms in East Lancashire are being reminded that minimum wage laws don't apply to them.

A number of exemptions apply to the £3.60 an hour rule which came into effect on April 1.

"Many small firms are run by husband and wife teams who are sometimes assisted by children and other relatives," explained Ilyas Patel, Lancashire spokesman for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

"Family members are exempt from the minimum wage rule but only if they live in the family home and actively participate in the business."

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