The Minimum Wage – part of Labour’s legacy

Friday, September 30, 2011

The introduction in 1999 of the National Minimum Wage by the Labour government was an important step forward in bringing justice for low paid workers. Its immediate effect was a wage-rise for around 9% of the working population in the Yorkshire & Humber region.

On the 1^st October the rates for the Minimum Wage will rise again, as they have done every year at this time. The National Minimum Wage is part of the Labour government’s achievements, a lasting legacy now accepted by employers and political opponents alike.

Meg commented:

“The introduction of the minimum wage made an important difference to many people’s pay packets, and continues to do so.  The independent Low Pay Commission is responsible for recommending increases, the government of the time responsible for accepting them or not. We shall have to be vigilant so that the present coalition government cannot take the opportunity to hold back much needed increases in the future.”