04 Jan 2001
The National Minimum Wage has helped to increase average weekly earnings in Scotland by 2.8% since it came into force, Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson said today.
Commenting on new figures published by the Department for Trade and Industry, Mr Wilson said:
"The National Minimum Wage is making work pay for thousands of workers across Scotland. The figures published today show that average weekly earnings in Scotland rose by 2.8% between April 1999 and April 2000 compared to 2.3% for Great Britain as a whole. This increase will make a difference where it matters – in the pay packets of Scottish workers.
"We are also doing everything we can to ensure that all low paid workers are paid at least the minimum wage. Today’s figures show that enforcement officers in Scotland have won back £164,000 for low paid workers who were not being paid the National Minimum Wage. This is a warning to unscrupulous employers that the Government is determined to ensure that the legislation is fully enforced.
"I am very pleased that the new figures show that the pay gap between different parts of the UK is closing. The Government is determined that all workers receive a fair wage for a fair day’s work so that people across the UK are able to share in the country’s increasing prosperity."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. The Department for Trade and Industry is responsible for NMW policy while the Inland Revenue enforces it through a dedicated team of enforcement officers.
2. The NMW adult rate (22 years old and over) is £3.70 per hour while the rate for 18-21 year olds is £3.20 per hour.
3. Workers who would like to find out more about the NMW, or would like to complain about underpayment, should call the confidential National Minimum Wage Hotline number on 0845 6000 678.
4. The increase in average earnings relates to April 1999 to April 2000.