How low can you go?

It was Labour who introduced a National Minimum Wage (NMW) in 1999 for all workers 22 years old and over, originally set at £3.60 and for those 18-21, the minimum was set at £3. Since then, the rates have increased dramatically- in October 2010 the adult rate will be £5.93. Each year there has been a rise. You can see how the NMW has changed at http://www.lowpay.gov.uk/

Surely in 2010 all main parties support the NMW? Well yes- but the policies vary. Labour has committed to a rise each year for the next term, and their manifesto commits them to increasing the NMW in line with average earnings. The Lib Dems go further – stating that the NMW should be the same for all workers over 16 – although they do not say whether that will mean lowering the adult rate or just putting all workers on the adult rate. Tories have not announced a change- meaning that they would leave decisions on the NMW in the hands of the independent Low Pay Commission, the body that currently recommends the rates.

So which policy do you prefer? Worth remembering this isn’t just about help for the poorest, but also about making sure businesses can afford to take people on. And with 1 in 5 young people unemployed, we need all the jobs we can get.

So... how low would you go?



Poli-Chick



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