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BYC welcome pay increase for apprentices while continuing call for Equal Minimum Wage

British Youth Council logo for press releasesBritish Youth Council logo for press releases

Wednesday, 10, Sep 2008 12:00

The British Youth Council (BYC) has welcomed the Government’s announcement today that the minimum weekly earnings for all apprentices in England are to be increased from £80 to £95.

However, BYC will continue to actively campaign for an Equal National Minimum Wage for everyone aged over 16, including apprentices. Currently apprentices aged under 19 are legally exempt from being paid the Minimum Wage. Receiving a Minimum Wage would mean apprentices under 19 could be paid a minimum of £119 weekly.

BYC Campaigner, Scott (19 – pictured) said “This move to increase apprentice’s pay is a great step forward in the right direction, and will help out lots of young apprentices. However, more needs to be done. Young people simply deserve equal pay for equal work through an Equal National Minimum Wage”.

At the annual meeting of the Council in August delegates voted to make calling for an Equal National Minimum wage a top priority campaign for this year.

A British Youth Council delegation is meeting with the Low Pay Commission next week to continue to press their case on the Minimum Wage issue.

For information on BYC’s campaign for a Equal National Minimum wage visit www.byc.org.uk/enmw

Notes to editors:

1. The British Youth Council (BYC) is led by young people, for young people aged 26 and under across the UK. We connect with our community of member organisations and network of Local Youth Councils to empower all young people, wherever they’re from, to have a say and be heard. Our take on training and volunteering and our powerful campaigns, both local and global, inspire young people www.byc.org.uk

2. There are over 600 young people led youth councils across the UK. BYC’s member organisations can reach a network of up to 7 million young people

3. A recent poll on BYC’s website found that 90% of respondents did not agree with National Minimum Wage Apprentice exemptions for apprentices aged under 19.

4. Press enquiries to Helen Deakin via 020 7022 1974 or helen.deakin@byc.org.uk or out of office hours 07809 507356. BYC has young media spokespeople who are available to speak on BYC’s work and campaigns.

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