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Press Notices   >>Back to Press notice index Press Release 23 March 1999 VISIT TO LEICESTER Leicester workers and employers today talked to Commissioners from the Low Pay Commission about what the introduction of the National Minimum Wage will mean for them. Paul Gates and Stephanie Monk, members of the Low Pay Commission, went on a fact-finding tour of the City, stopping to talk to local employers and those workers who are likely to benefit the most from a National Minimum Wage - women, ethnic minorities and homeworkers. The purpose of the visit was to raise awareness on all sides - within the local community about all aspects of the National Minimum Wage and to give local people a chance to air their views to the Commissioners about its social and economic implications. Commissioner, Paul Gates said: "Our purpose is to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the National Minimum Wage. Both employers and workers in Leicester have shared their thoughts with us and we have taken their views on board." The visit today was part of a broad consultation exercise, talking to many low-paid people, people looking for work, and employers, especially small firms, leading up to and beyond the introduction of the National Minimum Wage on 1 April 1999. 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: pay, employment and competitiveness in low paying sectors and small firms; particular groups of workers, such as young people, women, ethnic minorities, homeworkers, people with disabilities and voluntary sector workers; pay structures, including the effect on differentials and different pay systems; and training. ii) review the position of 21 year olds following the introduction of the development rate for young people and in particular whether they should be covered by the adult rate. In making its recommendations, the Commission should have regard to the wider economic and social implications; the likely effect on employment and inflation; the impact on the costs and competitiveness of business, particularly the small firms sector, and the potential costs to industry and the Exchequer. The Commission is asked to report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by December 1999.   Back to top