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>>Back to Press notice index
Press Release 23 June 2000 THE LOW PAY COMMISSION TODAY WARMLY WELCOMES THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE UK'S NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE. "Introducing the minimum wage was a major intervention in the labour market, and yet it has been introduced very successfully and smoothly" commented George Bain, chairman of the Commission. "It is now a fundamental right for low-paid workers, and has proved broadly acceptable to low-paying industries. This is what we predicted in our first report, and what we found for our second". The Low Pay Commission's second report,"The Story So Far", chronicles the impact of the minimum wage in its first year. A year after it's implementation, there is not evidence of job losses, no damage to the economy. Its main findings were that: Well over 1.5 million were due a pay increase Women in low-paid work have benefited most, bringing about a significant narrowing of the gap between women and men's pay. Young people had a substantial pay increase, without loss of jobs Low paying sectors have adapted well, and many have expanded their numbers of employees Compliance levels seem good so far, at least in the formal economy Last month the Commission welcomed the Government's decision to raise the rate to £3.70, the Commission's recommendation in its first report. The Commission also warmly welcomed its new remit to reconsider the level of the minimum wage, and make recommendations next year for a change in rate in 2001. "The introduction of the minimum wage has been a great success. This success has to be built on" argued Professor Bain. "By giving the Commission its new, challenging remit, the Government has signalled that it is serious about making sure that the minimum wage continues to be of benefit to low paid workers." Notes to Editors 1. The Low Pay Commission is a statutory body whose role is to advise the Government on the National Minimum Wage. 2. The Commission has produced four reports. These are available from the Stationery Office Bookshops or the Commission’s website at: http://www.lowpay.gov.uk 3. The members of the Low Pay Commission are: Adair Turner (Chairman), Vice Chairman, Merrill Lynch Holdings Ltd; Professor William Brown CBE, Professor of Industrial Relations, University of Cambridge; David Coats, Head, Economic and Social Affairs Department, Trades Union Congress; John Cridland, Deputy Director-General, Confederation of British Industry; Paul Gates OBE, General Secretary, National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apperal Trades; Ian Hay OBE, Chairman, Food Trade Association Management Professor David Metcalf, Professor of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics; Margaret Prosser OBE, Former Deputy General Secretary, Transport and General Workers Union; and Angie Risley, Human Resources Director, Whitbread PLC. 4. The National Minimum Wage for those over 21 is £4.50 per hour. For those aged 18 to 21 or over 21 but in the first six months of a new job with a new employer and receiving accredited training, the rate is £3.80 per hour. The Government has accepted the Commission's recommendation that subject to confirmation in early 2004 - there should be further increases to £4.85 and £4.10 from 1 October 2004. Low Pay Commission Elizabeth House 39 York Road London SE1 7NQ Tel. 020 7855 4553 | |
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