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Press Release 28 July 1997 PROFESSOR GEORGE BAIN CHAIRS FIRST MEETING OF THE LOW PAY COMMISSION The first meeting of the Low Pay Commission, the independent body that will advise the Government on the scope and level at which the National Minimum Wage might be set, took place today to discuss its forthcoming programme of work. Professor George Bain, the Chair of the Commission and the eight other members discussed a number of issues including how the Commission will consult with employers, employees and other groups involved in the issue of low pay. The Commission agreed to hold a series of regional hearings in the Autumn where organisations would be able to present their views on the minimum wage in person to Commissioners. Speaking before the meeting, Professor Bain said: “Our task is to advise the Government on the scope and level at which a National Minimum Wage might sensibly be set to benefit business. “In order to do this we will need to consult with employers, employees and their representative organisations so that all views can be put to us. This way we can reach sensible and balanced decisions on the level of the minimum wage and how it should be introduced. “This work will be made easier by the high quality team of Commissioners who have a wide range of experience and knowledge of these issues. Notes to Editors The Low Pay Commission is an independent advisory body set up to recommend to the Prime Minister the initial level at which the National Minimum Wage might be set. The Commission was established in July 1997 following the Government’s announcement in the Queen’s speech in May 1997 to introduce legislation in the current session of Parliament for a National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage Bill was published on 27 November. The Commission has been asked to make its recommendations by May 1998, following which it will be for the Government to make the final decision on the level of the national minimum wage. The terms of reference for the Commission were confirmed in September 1997. There are nine Commissioners, drawn from a range of employee, employer and academic backgrounds and chaired by Professor George Bain, Principal of the London Business School. All Commissioners are unpaid, and serve in an individual capacity and not as representatives of the organisation they work for. The Low Pay Commission has gathered evidence in Scotland and Northern Ireland and today’s visit is one of at least seven other country/regional visits also taking in Wales, South West England, the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside, the East Midlands and the West Midlands. Interested individuals and organisations that wish to submit written evidence to the Low Pay Commission on the National Minimum Wage should contact: Mrs Louise Elston, Low Pay Commission, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, LONDON SW1W 9SS. Tel: 020 7215 5888. Low Pay Commission Elizabeth House 39 York Road London SE1 7NQ Tel. 020 7855 4553 | |
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