Unite reaction to minimum wage increase
Thursday, 7 April 2011
12:00 AM
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said:
"This small increase in the minimum wage is completely outstripped by the current rate of inflation. The rise will do little to help the lowest paid in our society keep up with the rising cost of food and fuel.
"The paltry increase in the minimum wage for the under twenties is an insult. There is no reason why younger workers should be paid less and have to struggle more to keep up with the cost of living - it's tantamount to exploitation. Workers should be paid the rate for the job regardless of age. This is yet another attack on young people by this Tory-led government."
The national minimum wage is to increase by 15p an hour to £6.08 in October. The wage for 18-20-year-olds will increase by 6p to £4.98 an hour. The rate for 16-17-year-olds will increase by 4p to £3.68 an hour.
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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