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Congleton Liberal DemocratsCampaigning all year round for the people of Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Alsager, Middlewich, Sandbach and surrounding areas. |
The national minimum wage
July 16, 2009 7:31 PM
Dear Sir,
With the 10th anniversary of its introduction upon us, it is opportune to review the national minimum wage and suggest improvements. This is especially true when due to our economic challenges there is pressure to modify it.
There is little doubt that it has benefitted many hard working employees over the last decade.
There is still a large measure of age unfairness in its implementation with 16-17 year olds exempted completely and a lower level for those between 18 and 21. This is blatant discrimination and we would change it to reflect equal pay for everyone doing the same work.
It also requires effective enforcement with more resources allocated to HMRC for this.
I support the retention of the Low Pay Commission, an independent body, to advise the Government on continuing to uprate it with inflation at this time of recession.
I have serious concerns about the proposal to apply the minimum wage to apprenticeships at a time when employers are looking to reduce costs. Apprentices benefit from the present arrangement by improving their skills and job prospects while earning a wage of at least £80 a week.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Peter Hirst
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Congleton
Rushton Drive
Middlewich
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