date: Friday 21 December 2001 embargo: 00:01h Monday 24 December 2001

Attention: industrial and political correspondents

TUC welcomes Government crackdown on scrooge bosses

In response to the Government’s figures on National Minimum Wage enforcement, TUC General Secretary John Monks said:

'Low paid workers can be even more vulnerable around Christmas. With money tight and extra pressure to work extended hours, young, casual and student workers are especially in need of this protection. Working together with the Government, we want to stop scrooge bosses and end exploitation."

Notes to Editors:

All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 8am-10pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Anyone who thinks they are not being paid the minimum wage should call the Government’s helpline on 0845 6000 678, or use the interactive website - www.tiger.gov.uk - which provides employees and employers with guidance.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: 020 7467 1248 or email media@tuc.org.uk before Saturday 22 December 2001 or after Tuesday 1 January 2002

Sat 22, Sun 23, Mon 24 - Philip Taylor, pager 07699 744 115

Tues 25, Weds 26, Thus 27 - Nigel Stanley pager 07699 755 102

Fri 28, Sat 29, Sun 30, Mon 31, Tues 1 - Richard Darlington, pager 07654 589 780

Other enquiries: Paul Sellers 020 7467 1302 or email psellers@tuc.org.uk before Saturday 22 December 2001 or after Tuesday 1 January 2002

Press release (300 words) issued 24 Dec 2001