DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2008/277)
issued by COI News Distribution Service. 19 November 2008
A new campaign to
help boost workers' awareness of the increased national
minimum wage came to Wales today.
The "It's Your Call" roadshow was launched in
Downing Street by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson yesterday and
will tour the UK over a three month period, stopping off at 28
towns and cities, giving workers advice on their entitlements and
how to make a complaint if they have been underpaid.
It visits Cardiff today, Newport on Friday 21st November and
Swansea on Saturday 22nd November.
Royal Assent for the Employment Act has paved the way for new
penalties to come into force in April, as part of
government's crackdown on those who try to exploit workers.
Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy said:
"I would urge anyone who has questions or concerns over
their wage rights to pop along to the roadshows across South Wales
to get advice on their situation. I would also encourage any
Welsh employers who are unsure of their responsibilities towards
their staff to seek advice from the trained staff on the roadshow.
"It is vital that everyone knows their rights when it comes
to the minimum wage. It was introduced 10 years ago to ensure
fairness in the employment market, yet a small number employers
still refuse to pay their staff a fair wage. By raising awareness,
we can put this right and make sure everyone receives the pay they deserve."
Lord Mandelson said:
"The minimum wage was introduced when I was Secretary of
State for Trade and Industry 10 years ago and I am so proud to see
the difference it has made to the lives of millions of hard
working people across the UK.
"More than one million workers benefited from its increase
last month and it's important that we make sure everyone
knows what they're entitled to, that's what this
campaign is all about.
"Of course, most businesses treat staff fairly, but the
small number who cheat their workers are flouting the law and
undercutting honest competitors.
"Our changes will make sure everyone caught not paying their
workers properly faces a stiff penalty - we are determined to
ensure workers are paid fairly."
The changes introduce unlimited fines for non-compliance for the
most serious cases, removing the maximum limit of £5,000.
The roadshows will have facilities to report cases of abuse,
while fully trained staff will be on the spot to give expert
face-to-face advice.
Visitors to the events will also hear local people tell their
stories of underpayment and the help they received tackling wage abuse.
More than one million people across the UK benefit from annual
rises in the National Minimum Wage. On October 1st, rates rose to
£5.73 for workers aged 22 and over; £4.77 for 18-21 year olds and
£3.53 for those aged 16 and 17.
Anyone worried they may not be getting the National Minimum Wage
can call the NMW helpline on 0845 6000 678 (or 0845 6500 207 from
Northern Ireland). Support is offered in more than 100 languages
and callers can remain anonymous if they wish.
Notes to Editors
1. The campaign will be outside Queens Arcade, St John's
Street, Cardiff throughout Wednesday 19th November. On Friday, it
will visit Commercial Street, Newport, NP20 1DQ and on Saturday it
will visit Castle Square, Swansea, SA1 1JF.
2. Secretary of State for Business Peter Mandelson and Employment
Relations Minister Pat McFadden launched the "It's Your
Call" campaign in Downing Street on Tuesday 18th November.
3. The campaign's visits to city centre sites include:
* Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, Edinburgh and Glasgow in November
* Leeds, Huddersfield and Sheffield in December
* Peterborough, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham,
Birmingham and Newcastle in January
* Plymouth, Portsmouth and London in February
4. The Employment Act has now gained Royal Assent. Its measures,
which are due to come into force in April 2009, include:
* Removal of the limit on maximum fines for underpayment of the
national minimum wage, currently £5,000.
* The most serious cases of non-compliance will be tried at Crown
Court, which can impose an effectively unlimited penalty
* Introducing a fairer way of dealing with national minimum wage
arrears, calculated so workers do not lose out.