Welfare Reform on the Web (April 2004): Minimum Wage - UK

MINIMUM WAGE EXTENDED TO STOP EXPLOITATION OF YOUNGER WORKERS

B. Hall and A. Fifield

Financial Times, March 16th 2004, p.5

The national minimum wage is to be extended to 16-and 17 year olds for the first time, at a rate of £3 an hour, in an attempt to stamp out exploitation. Following a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission, the advisory body, the government will also proceed with an 8 per cent rise in the adult rate to £4.85 from October.