Extended minimum wage is good news – Usdaw

Shopworkers’ Union, Usdaw, is welcoming the Government’s announcement, which comes in the same week as the Union marks the tenth anniversary of the national minimum wage becoming law (31 July 2008), that 21 year olds are to receive the adult minimum wage, subject to advice from the Low Pay Commission.

Usdaw has been calling for the change as part of its campaign for the adult rate to be paid at 18. The Government also agreed to ask the Low Pay Commission to look at what changes could be made to the minimum wage to support young workers.

John Hannett, Usdaw’s General Secretary, who is also a member of the Low Pay Commission, was making the case for young workers at Labour’s National Policy Forum at the weekend.

At the moment, workers under 22 have a lower national minimum wage than older staff. The current minimum wage for adults aged 22 and over is £5.52, where the minimum for those aged 18-21 stands at just £4.60.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said:

“It was a momentous occasion when, ten years ago, the Labour Government passed the law for a legal minimum wage. We have come a long way since that time and are glad the Government is continuing to listen to our concerns on this matter.

“The extension of the adult rate to 21 year olds is subject to a further recommendation by the Low Pay Commission. The Low Pay Commission has been already advocating this change for several years. As one of the nine Commissioners I am well convinced of the case for 21 year olds and I will continue to press for them to receive the full rate.

“This is a welcome step towards reducing the age at which the adult rate is paid to 18 and Usdaw will continue to campaign to achieve this.”

31 July 2008 is the tenth anniversary of the national minimum wage receiving royal assent. Celebrations will take place on 1 April 2009 – the tenth anniversary of the implementation of the wage.

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 fourth biggest trade union, with over 366,000 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 at: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/site/email.html

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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