The government has embarked on a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the national minimum wage (NMW) and prevent employers from underpaying their staff, it was announced today.
Launched in East London today, the three-month campaign is part of the government’s latest crackdown on rogue employers, which has also seen tougher penalties introduced for those who refuse to abide by the NMW rules.
The campaign will publicise the current £5.52 hourly NMW rate for people aged 22 and over, which was increased from £5.35 in October 2007, in the hope that more people will recognise if they are being underpaid and report their employers.
A ‘£5.52: Are you on board?’ bus will travel to more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, offering tools for people to work out whether or not they are being paid below the NMW and access to help, phone and online support if they are. Any complaints made will be looked into by enforcement officers.
The campaign is being funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR), which hopes that the bus will reach around 800,000 people across the country.
Minister for employment relations, Pat McFadden, commented:
“We want to make sure workers know their rights and employers know their responsibilities.
“Employers who don't pay the minimum wage are not only cheating workers, they're undercutting honest businesses.
“This information campaign will help provide those most at risk of underpayment with the advice and support they need to take action where necessary.”
The national minimum wage is £4.60 for 18- 21 year olds and £3.40 for 16-17 year olds.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
