09 Jul 2002
Wage arrears adding up to £620,000 have been recovered for low paid workers in Scotland over the past three years, Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire said today.
The money was recovered for workers by Inland Revenue compliance officers who are making sure workers are getting the national minimum wage.
Since April 1999 to date, they have completed over 1,700 investigations, discovered non-compliance in 27 per cent of cases and recovered £620,000 in wage arrears for low paid workers.
Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire said:
"It is a belief of this Government that every worker is entitled to a decent wage, which is why we introduced the national minimum wage.
"It is making a difference to the lives of thousands of people. Around 110,000 workers in Scotland are now benefiting from the national minimum wage. The main rate for workers aged 22 or over is £4.10 and £3.50 for workers aged 18-21 inclusive.
"I would urge anyone who would like more information or who has concerns to contact the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678 or to log onto the website at www.tiger.gov.uk "
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. Mrs McGuire gave the figures today in reply to a Parliamentary Question.
2. The NMW adult rate (22 years old and over) will rise to £4.20 per hour from October 2002. The rate for 18-21 year olds is increasing from £3.50 per hour to £3.60 per hour from the same date.
3. The TIGER website launched by DTI is part of a campaign to ensure that workers and employers are aware of their obligations and entitlements under NMW legislation. Access www.tiger.gov.uk or call the helpline number on 0845 6000 678.