Usdaw welcomes rise in National Minimum Wage

Retail union, Usdaw, has welcomed today’s announcement of a rise in the National Minimum Wage.

The rise from £5.52 to £5.73 will affect a high proportion of retail workers. Rates for 18-21 year olds will increase from £4.60 to £4.77 and from £3.40 to £3.53 for 16-17 year olds.

Usdaw's General Secretary, John Hannett, said:

"We welcome the news that the Government has approved this raise in the National Minimum Wage. It will increase the quality of life for many of our members, the majority of whom are women.

"However, we are disappointed that the Low Pay Commission's recommendation to lower the age for the adult rate of the National Minimum Wage to 21 has been rejected. Usdaw will continue to campaign for the adult rate to be paid at 18. We will also keep campaigning for a significant increase for 16 and 17 year olds, to make sure they are not exploited at work."

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw's Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union, with over 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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