There must be no hiding place for cheating employers, says TUC

~~Commenting on the announcement today (Tuesday) that the government will introduce a bundle of measures to strengthen enforcement of the minimum wage, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We welcome the government’s pledge to commit more resources for enforcement, increase prosecutions and introduce higher penalties for bosses who underpay the minimum wage. Unions have campaigned long and hard for these measures. At least a quarter of a million workers are currently underpaid the existing national minimum wage, there must be no hiding place for cheating employers.

“But there is still much more to be done to protect low-paid workers. The government should pay minimum wage arrears when the employer cannot pay, HMRC should enforce statutory holiday pay entitlements and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority licensing scheme should be retained and extended so that the most vulnerable workers are fully protected.

“Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – the new minimum wage premium for over 25’s is still well below the Living Wage and will be undermined by the Chancellor’s cuts to tax credits.

“Anyone worried they are not getting the pay they are entitled to should join a trade union, to get their voice heard and their interests represented at work.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The government announcement is available at www.gov.uk/government/news/measures-to-ensure-people-receive-fair-pay-a…
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