A new government campaign is being launched today to help boost workers’ awareness of the increased national minimum wage, as tough new penalties for employers who underpay their staff were passed by parliament.
Business secretary Peter Mandelson will launch the ‘It’s your call’ roadshow at Downing Street before touring the UK over a three month period stopping off at 28 towns and cities, to give workers advice on their entitlements and how to make a complaint if they have been underpaid.
Lord Mandelson said he was “proud” to see the difference the minimum wage has made to families across the UK over the past ten years and warned there would be stiff penalties for employers who don’t comply with new regulations.
“Of course, most businesses treat staff fairly, but the small number who cheat their workers are flouting the law and undercutting honest competitors.
“Our changes will make sure everyone caught not paying their workers properly faces a stiff penalty – we are determined to ensure workers are paid fairly.”
Parliament has passed tougher penalties for those firms that are underpaying their workers.
There are now unlimited fines for those who not comply, as opposed to the previous maximum charge of £5,000.
More than one million people in the UK benefit from annual rises in the National Minimum Wage. On October 1st, rates rose to £5.73 for workers aged 22 and over, £4.77 for 18-21 year olds and £3.53 for those aged 16 and 17.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008