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Press Release 07 MAY 1999 LOW PAY COMMISSION MONITORING VISIT TO NORTHERN IRELAND The new terms of reference published by Government ask the Low Pay Commission to prepare a Third Report on the operation of the National Minimum Wage and to make recommendations on future uprating. The Commission has been asked to report by July 2001. The Government has also appointed two new Commissioners to fill vacancies. George Bain, the Commission's Chairman said, "I am delighted that the Commission is up to strength and that we have a clear remit for our work. This is a very important time in the development of the National Minimum Wage. New evidence on the effect of the minimum wage on the economy and on low paid workers will be available. I attach great importance to the openness of the Commission's work. We will be consulting widely before making our recommendations to the Prime Minister next year." As part of its work programme the Commission is seeking evidence from employers, workers and their representatives, as well as academics and Government Departments. The deadline for receiving submissions is 31 October but the Commission would welcome earlier material. The Commission is finalising a programme of original research into specific aspects of the minimum wage. Commissioners will also visit various parts of the country in order to talk directly to those experiencing low pay and those for whom it has raised issues that they would like to explain to the Commission. The Chairman welcomed the appointment of Ian Hay and David Coats who with backgrounds in small business and trade union issues would be able to make significant contributions to the Commission's deliberations. He also paid tribute to the two Commissioners standing down, Bill Callaghan and Lawrie Dewar, both of whom had been instrumental in framing the Commission's previous recommendations to the Government. 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 Low Pay Commission Terms of Reference The Commission is asked to: i) monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage, with particular reference to the effect on:
The Commission is asked to report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by December 1999. | |
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