Employers reminded of minimum pay rates

Employers are being reminded of the rise in the national minimum wage, as a national awareness campaign closes this week.

The ‘It’s Your Call’ campaign aims to boost awareness of the increased national minimum wage. The campaign was launched in November, following the wage increase in October, and comes to London for its final events this week.

Changes to the national minimum wage have introduced unlimited fines for non-compliance for the most serious cases, and removed the maximum limit of £5,000.

Lord Peter Mandelson, business secretary, said: “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.”

The campaign features advice and support for those on the minimum wage, and the roadshow has facilities to allow abuse to be reported. Experts are on hand to give face-to-face advice. Over a million people across the UK benefit from annual rises in the national minimum wage.

If you have a concern regarding the national minimum wage, you can call the NMW helpline on 0845 6000 678. Support is offered in more than 100 languages and callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

© Crimson Business Ltd, 2009