11 October 2006
The Employment Forum has been asked by the Social Security Minister to review the minimum wage and to make a recommendation as to whether any changes should be made.
The Employment Forum issued its consultation on 29th September and questionnaires have been sent to all those on the Forum’s consultation database. The purpose is to seek views about the minimum wage system; to consider whether the current rate of £5.24 should be increased, and if so, by how much and by what method. The Forum would also welcome comments about the trainee rate, therapeutic work and the offsets for accommodation and food.
As businesses often negotiate prices and contracts at the end of the year, the Forum intends to present a recommendation to the Social Security Minister in December to allow businesses time to adjust, if any changes are approved.
Any individual members of the public, associations and organisations are welcome to respond to the consultation. Copies are available by telephoning the department on tel. 447204
The closing date for responses is Friday 10th November 2006.