Menu
30/09/2004
Low-paid workers boosted by new wage rates
Up to two million workers stand to gain from a pay rise from tomorrow as new rates for the National Minimum wage come into force.
For the first time 16 and 17 year olds who are no longer of compulsory school age will be paid at least £3 per hour. The adult rate will rise from £4.50 to £4.85 - an 8% increase; and the 18 to 21 year olds rate will increase from £3.80 to £4.10 - also an 8% increase.
Rule changes will also mean added protection for 100,000 people who work from home. In all, it is estimated that between 1.6 to 1.9 million workers will gain from the additional increases.
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, said: "We want to protect all workers from exploitative rates of pay. The National Minimum Wage has gone a long way to achieving this without having a negative impact on employment or the economy.
"We are committed to eradicating poverty pay and today's new rates are another big step towards turning that aim into a reality."
From 1st October 2004, employers must also pay all homeworkers the minimum wage for all hours worked; or pay 100% of the national minimum wage for the number of hours it takes an average worker to complete an agreed block of work.
In April 2005, homeworkers will see a further improvement in their wages when employers will have to pay the average worker at a rate of 120% of the minimum wage for a block of work.
The DTI is running a five-week campaign to publicise the changes to the National Minimum Wage rates.
(gmcg/mb)
For the first time 16 and 17 year olds who are no longer of compulsory school age will be paid at least £3 per hour. The adult rate will rise from £4.50 to £4.85 - an 8% increase; and the 18 to 21 year olds rate will increase from £3.80 to £4.10 - also an 8% increase.
Rule changes will also mean added protection for 100,000 people who work from home. In all, it is estimated that between 1.6 to 1.9 million workers will gain from the additional increases.
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, said: "We want to protect all workers from exploitative rates of pay. The National Minimum Wage has gone a long way to achieving this without having a negative impact on employment or the economy.
"We are committed to eradicating poverty pay and today's new rates are another big step towards turning that aim into a reality."
From 1st October 2004, employers must also pay all homeworkers the minimum wage for all hours worked; or pay 100% of the national minimum wage for the number of hours it takes an average worker to complete an agreed block of work.
In April 2005, homeworkers will see a further improvement in their wages when employers will have to pay the average worker at a rate of 120% of the minimum wage for a block of work.
The DTI is running a five-week campaign to publicise the changes to the National Minimum Wage rates.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 November 2014
Increase In Living Wage Rate
The UK Living Wage Rate has risen by 2.6% from today, Monday, and set to £7.85 per hour. According to the Living Wage Foundation it is 21% higher than the national minimum wage of £6.50 per hour. This will improve the take home pay of 35,000 low-paid workers across the country who are employed by over 1,000 Living Wage accredited organisations.
Increase In Living Wage Rate
The UK Living Wage Rate has risen by 2.6% from today, Monday, and set to £7.85 per hour. According to the Living Wage Foundation it is 21% higher than the national minimum wage of £6.50 per hour. This will improve the take home pay of 35,000 low-paid workers across the country who are employed by over 1,000 Living Wage accredited organisations.
01 September 2011
Commission On Minimum Wage Visit
Two Low Pay Commissioners are to visit London next week on a fact-finding visit about the National Minimum Wage. The visit is one of a number of planned trips the Low Pay Commission is making around the UK during 2011 to "gather information on how the minimum wage is operating".
Commission On Minimum Wage Visit
Two Low Pay Commissioners are to visit London next week on a fact-finding visit about the National Minimum Wage. The visit is one of a number of planned trips the Low Pay Commission is making around the UK during 2011 to "gather information on how the minimum wage is operating".
15 April 2013
National Minimum Wage To Rise
The government has approved a rise in minimum wage by 12p to £6.31 an hour. Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed the government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for this year’s adult and youth rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2013: • the adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.
National Minimum Wage To Rise
The government has approved a rise in minimum wage by 12p to £6.31 an hour. Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed the government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for this year’s adult and youth rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2013: • the adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.
09 January 2007
Fines for under minimum wage employers
Employers who refuse to pay the minimum wage could face a £200 fine for every worker underpaid. Employers already have to pay back arrears they owe to the worker and those who refuse to pay up will be penalised. Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: "Workers have the right to a decent minimum wage and we are determined they get it.
Fines for under minimum wage employers
Employers who refuse to pay the minimum wage could face a £200 fine for every worker underpaid. Employers already have to pay back arrears they owe to the worker and those who refuse to pay up will be penalised. Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: "Workers have the right to a decent minimum wage and we are determined they get it.
07 May 2009
HMRC Wins Minimum Wage Court Battle
Bar and restaurant workers have today been given a helping hand by the Court of Appeal in their fight for fair pay. The court ruled in HM Revenue & Customs' favour by upholding current national minimum wage legislation relating to tips, gratuities and discretionary service charges in the case of Annabel's restaurant and night club and others.
HMRC Wins Minimum Wage Court Battle
Bar and restaurant workers have today been given a helping hand by the Court of Appeal in their fight for fair pay. The court ruled in HM Revenue & Customs' favour by upholding current national minimum wage legislation relating to tips, gratuities and discretionary service charges in the case of Annabel's restaurant and night club and others.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
