Welfare Reform on the Web (April 2000): Minimum Wage - UK

BROWN UNDER PRESSURE TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE FOR 21-YEAR-OLDS

R. Watson

Times, Jan. 7^th 2000, p.16

Reports that the Chancellor is under pressure to recast the minimum wage by awarding a significant increase to low-paid workers under 21, following a recommendation by the Low Pay Commission that 21-year-olds should receive the full hourly rate of £3.60 per hour rather than £3.00.

ENFORCING THE MINIMUM WAGE

P. Skidmore

Journal of Law and Society, vol. 26, 1999, p.427-428

In contrast to most earlier and contemporary labour legislation, the National Minimum Wage Act Forsees twin-track enforcement:

• by individual workers affected:
• by enforcement officers.

Article offers policy suggestions on how the different enforcement strands can best be made to work together and highlights some dangers the government needs to be aware of in this area.

FIGHT FOR A BETTER PAY DEAL IN THE SWEATSHOPS

S. Sanghera

Financial Times, Jan. 7^th 2000, p.3

Reports how a hardcore group of employees in the textile industry, mostly of Asian origin, are failing to implement the minimum wage and are using threats, intimidation and emotional blackmail to prevent employees from complaining to inspectors.

MINIMUM PAY FREEZE TRIGGERS UNION PROTESTS

K. Watson

Times, Jan. 6^th 2000, p.1

In an attempt to avoid upsetting the business community, government will freeze the minimum wage at £3.60 per hour until spring 2001. Ministers argue that it is too early to assess its impact on the economy and jobs.

(See also Guardian, Jan. 6^th 2000, p.4; Guardian, Jan. 7^th 2000, p.17; Financial Times, Jan. 7^th 2000, p.3; Daily Telegraph, Jan. 7^th 2000, p.4).