National Minimum Wage Rise – UNISON Reaction
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE RISE – UNISON REACTION
UNISON welcomes the national minimum wage (NMW) rise tomorrow, as the “lasting legacy of the trade union and labour movement”.
The UK’s largest union, which fought for the introduction of the NMW more than a decade ago, will continue to campaign for a substantial increase, in line with the rising cost of living. The union’s recent submission to the Low Pay Commission also called for all employees to have access to a living wage of £8 an hour*.
The National Minimum Wage annual increase will rise by 15p to £6.08 an hour for adults. The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 6p to £4.98 an hour, by 4p to £3.68 an hour for 16-17 year olds, and by 10p to £2.60 an hour for apprentices.
Dave Prentis, UNISON’s General Secretary, said:
“More than ten years on the minimum wage has become a valuable safety net for millions of workers. It is a lasting legacy of the trade union and labour movement
“The rise to £6.08 is a welcome cushion, but, with the price of everyday essentials such as food, gas and electricity going up massively, it won’t lift enough working people out of the poverty trap. We want a more substantial figure and a decent living wage for all - a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, regardless of age. Good employers should be looking at the mounting pressures on their workforce and paying them more than the absolute minimum.
“The Government must be vigilant in enforcing the minimum wage - those earning the least should not have to suffer the most because of the recession. Without decent pay they will sink further into poverty and the economy will fail to recover.”
Ends
For more information please contact the UNISON Press Office on 0207 1215 255.
Notes to editors:
*The Living Wage is an hourly rate, set independently, every year. It is calculated according to cost of living and gives the minimum pay rate required for a worker to provide their family with the essentials of life. In London the current rate is £8.30 per hour. Outside of London the current rate is £7.20.
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