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Press Release 18 February 2000 PRIME MINISTER ASKS PROFESSOR GEORGE BAIN TO STAY ON AS LOW PAY COMMISSION CHAIR The Prime Minister has asked Professor George Bain to continue to chair the independent Low Pay Commission, which advises the Government on implementation of the national minimum wage. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude personally to Professor Bain for the excellent work of the Commission, and has asked him to stay on to see through the next report which is due to be presented to the Government by July 2001. Professor Bain's term of office was due to end in March. The Commission's second report was published on Tuesday at the same time as the Government announced the increases to the rates, from £3.60 to £3.70 for adults, and from £3.00 to £3.20 for young people. Confirming that he would be delighted to continue in the role, Professor Bain said: "I am pleased that the Government has accepted the judgement of the independent Low Pay Commission that the minimum wage has been introduced successfully, and can safely move to £3.70. I am particularly pleased that we have been asked to continue to monitor the minimum wage, and make further recommendations on its rate in 2001. It is with real pleasure that I have accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to chair the Commission for a further report." Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, added "The National Minimum Wage has been a great success. Over 1.5 million people have benefited as a result of its introduction. Its smooth and successful introduction has owed a good deal to the work of the Low Pay Commission and in particular the excellent leadership demonstrated by George Bain. "I am personally delighted that he has agreed to stay on to produce their next report which will come at a significant time for the development of the minimum wage." 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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