MP Welcomes Increase in Minimum Wage

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, has welcomes the announcement that the national minimum wage is set to be increased to £4.85 per hour from October, This is an 8% increase, which is the largest increase since the minimum wage was introduced.

"I am glad that the Government has accepted the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission and made this increase" said Mr Gerrard. "I am especially pleased that from October 16 and 17 year olds will also be entitled to a minimum wage of £3 per hour for the first time. I was one of those who argued that everyone in work, whatever their age, should have the protection of a minimum wage, and was disappointed that 16 and 17 year olds were excluded."

"Across the country 1.6 million workers will benefit from the new minimum rate. The new rate for 16 and 17 year olds will go some way towards stopping employers offering extremely low pay rates to young workers. I want to see more young people remaining in full time education or training, up to the age of 18, so I am pleased that the new Education Maintenance Allowances will come into force in September. For those young people who choose to go into work, we should be offering protection against exploitation."

March 2004

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