22/04/2002
National Minimum Wage rise welcomed
The increase in the National Minimum Wage has been welcomed following the news that the minimum wage is set to go up again in October 2002 following Gordon Brown's 2002 Budget.
This is the fourth increase to the National Minimum Wage since its introduction in April 1999 with rates increasing from £4.10 to £4.20 for 22 year olds and over, and from £3.50 to £3.60 for workers aged 18 – 21.
Anne Condé from the National Minimum Wage Helpline said: “We are pleased to see the rise in the National Minimum Wage rates, however, we know that there are still so many people not actually getting the current rates. We would urge anyone working below these levels to contact the helpline in confidence for information and assistance.”
It is hoped that this new rate will put further pressure on employers to end exploitation of workers in low paid jobs. The legal implications on an employer who flouts the law and does not pay the correct rates may be grave, with fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance.
Many workers not receiving the correct rates of pay have already exercised there legal right to the National Minimum Wage. Over 1,000 workers have contacted the National Minimum Wage Helpline, operated by the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which can act on workers behalf to ensure payment. The Helpline, set up in September 2001 has already obtained over £48,000 in back pay for workers not receiving the National Minimum Wage.
It can be contacted on Tel: 0845 6500 203, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.
(MB)
This is the fourth increase to the National Minimum Wage since its introduction in April 1999 with rates increasing from £4.10 to £4.20 for 22 year olds and over, and from £3.50 to £3.60 for workers aged 18 – 21.
Anne Condé from the National Minimum Wage Helpline said: “We are pleased to see the rise in the National Minimum Wage rates, however, we know that there are still so many people not actually getting the current rates. We would urge anyone working below these levels to contact the helpline in confidence for information and assistance.”
It is hoped that this new rate will put further pressure on employers to end exploitation of workers in low paid jobs. The legal implications on an employer who flouts the law and does not pay the correct rates may be grave, with fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance.
Many workers not receiving the correct rates of pay have already exercised there legal right to the National Minimum Wage. Over 1,000 workers have contacted the National Minimum Wage Helpline, operated by the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which can act on workers behalf to ensure payment. The Helpline, set up in September 2001 has already obtained over £48,000 in back pay for workers not receiving the National Minimum Wage.
It can be contacted on Tel: 0845 6500 203, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.
(MB)
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