Campaign hits the road for the minimum wage
Jan 14 2008 Jez Davison, Evening Gazette
THE Government’s three-month campaign to boost awareness of the national minimum wage and clamp down on employers who refuse to pay the statutory rate, is on the road today.
According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), an estimated 130,000 workers in the region are on minimum wage - 11% of the overall workforce compared with a national figure of 7%.
Employment relations minister Pat McFadden boards a special bus this morning which will travel to more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, giving information to workers and employers.
The bus will bear the slogan, £5.52, Are You On Board?, and will aim to reach 800,000 people in the coming months.
Mr McFadden 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 don’t pay the minimum wage are not only cheating workers, they’re 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.”
In October 2007 the minimum wage increased from £5.35 to £5.52 an hour for workers aged 22 and over. The rate for 18-21 year-olds is currently £4.60, and £3.40 for 16-17-year-olds.
