Young workers should be treated fairly and paid the rate for the job
when new minimum wage rates are announced, said UNISON and
the YMCA today. The call comes amid reports that the Chancellor
Gordon Brown, is likely to bow to pressure and extend the
minimum wage to cover 16 and 17 year olds. Both organisations
are keen to ensure that the new minimum wage does not create a
third class workforce, by setting a new rate below the one set for
18 to 21 year olds.
UNISON and the YMCA made submissions to the Low Pay
Commission recommending the minimum wage be extended to 16
and 17 year olds after researching conditions for young workers,
including those on Modern Apprenticeships. It believes this
important decision will go some way towards protecting young
workers from exploitative employers.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said: