Government considers minimum wage for apprentices
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The prospect of the first national minimum wage for apprentices
rose today when the Government announced that the Low Pay
Commission had been asked to consider the move.
Ministers announced new terms of reference for the commission,
which recommends the rate for the statutory rate, currently
£5.73 an hour for adults, £4.77 for 18 to 21-year-olds
and £3.53 for under 18s.
Business Minister Pat McFadden said: "The Low Pay Commission has
been instrumental in ensuring the great success of the minimum
wage. They carefully examine the latest economic data before making
recommendations that balance the needs of low paid workers and
businesses.
"This is the same sensible approach they will take with regards to
apprentices. The new arrangements must give apprentices a fair deal
and protect them from exploitation, but at the same not impose
undue burdens that would deter businesses from taking them
on."
Apprentices Minister Iain Wright added: "An apprenticeship is an
excellent opportunity for young people to train in the workplace. I
am committed to ensuring that an apprenticeship is an option for
all young people and we are establishing an entitlement to deliver
this.
"I know the Low Pay Commission is sensitive to this and understands
the need to balance the proper protection of young people from
exploitation against the need to ensure a supply of high quality
apprenticeship opportunities."
The Commission has been asked to report to the Prime Minister and
the Business Secretary by the end of February 2010.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Protecting apprentices
from low pay and exploitation through the minimum wage would be a
small cost to a minority of employers but would go a long way to
boosting the quality and reputation of apprenticeships.
"Apprentices that receive decent pay are far more likely to
complete their training."
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