National Minimum Wage
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have confirmed the adult, development, youth and apprentice rates for national minimum wage. These rates will come into force on the 1st October 2010:
£5.93 per hour for low paid workers aged 21 and over (a 2.2% increase on the current £5.80 rate);
£4.92 per hour for 18-20 year olds (a 1.9% increase on the current £4.83 rate); and
£3.64 per hour for 16-17 year olds (a 2% increase on the current £3.57 rate.
£2.50 per hour for apprentices under 19 year olds or over 19 year olds if they are in the first year of their apprenticeship.
The Low Pay Commission has also recommended that the Government continue to monitor and enforce the national minimum wage until at least March 2014.
National Minimum Wage Questionnaire
SGF is asking retailers to complete a questionnaire that probes into the impact of the national minimum wage including past increases on job creation, hours and investment in business growth. The findings of the questionnaire will form the centrepiece of our submission to the Low Pay Commission.
The Low Pay Commission is gathering evidence now. The deadline for submissions to their consultation is September 10th and a recommendation will be made to Government by the end of February 2011.
Please find attached a link to our survey which we would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete and return to SGF.
Scottish Grocers Federation