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Press Release 27 November 2000 LOW PAY COMMISSION LISTENS TO BELFAST The Chairman of the Low Pay Commission, George Bain (President and Vice-Chancellor of The Queen’s University), together with another member of the Commission, William Brown, visit Belfast on Wednesday 29 November to listen to views on the minimum wage from employers in low paying sectors, those finding work for the disabled, and those advising low-paid workers. The Commission is engaged on an extensive fact-finding programme to meet the remit given to them by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Stephen Byers, the Trade and Industry Secretary. The Commission has been asked to monitor the minimum wage and to recommend whether there is a case for increasing the main wage rate, and the development rate, and if so by how much. The Commission’s visit to Belfast is an important part of this process. George Bain said "The introduction of the minimum wage last year has helped low-paid workers without damaging the economy. I welcome this opportunity to exchange views with people in Belfast - the city in which I am also proud to live and work - about how the minimum wage is working. By talking first hand to the people affected we gain a valuable insight which helps inform the work that we do.” Notes to Editors 1. The Low Pay Commission is a statutory body whose role is to advise the Government on the National Minimum Wage. 2. The Commission has produced four reports. These are available from the Stationery Office Bookshops or the Commission’s website at: http://www.lowpay.gov.uk 3. The members of the Low Pay Commission are: Adair Turner (Chairman), Vice Chairman, Merrill Lynch Holdings Ltd; Professor William Brown CBE, Professor of Industrial Relations, University of Cambridge; David Coats, Head, Economic and Social Affairs Department, Trades Union Congress; John Cridland, Deputy Director-General, Confederation of British Industry; Paul Gates OBE, General Secretary, National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apperal Trades; Ian Hay OBE, Chairman, Food Trade Association Management Professor David Metcalf, Professor of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics; Margaret Prosser OBE, Former Deputy General Secretary, Transport and General Workers Union; and Angie Risley, Human Resources Director, Whitbread PLC. 4. The National Minimum Wage for those over 21 is £4.50 per hour. For those aged 18 to 21 or over 21 but in the first six months of a new job with a new employer and receiving accredited training, the rate is £3.80 per hour. The Government has accepted the Commission's recommendation that subject to confirmation in early 2004 - there should be further increases to £4.85 and £4.10 from 1 October 2004. Low Pay Commission Elizabeth House 39 York Road London SE1 7NQ Tel. 020 7855 4553 | |
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