Christmas bonus for low-paid
MORE than 5,000 low paid workers have been given a Christmas pay boost in a crackdown on 'scrooge' bosses.
The move follows a seven-month investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry into employers who fail to pay staff the national minimum wage, currently £4.50 an hour for people aged 22 or more and £3.50 for 18-21 year olds.
The DTI has uncovered 3,607 cases and more than £1.8m in wages arrears in the last few months.
More than £14m in wage arrears has been recovered since the introduction of the national minimum wage more than four years ago.
Employment relations minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: 'These figures send a clear message to unscrupulous bosses that we will pursue those who are not paying the minimum wage. We are committed to providing workers with decent minimum standards and ensuring fairness in the workplace.'
The Inland Revenue has a helpline for anyone who thinks they are not being paid the minimum wage to call on 0845 6000 678.
Alternatively, its website at www.tiger.gov.uk has guidance for both employers and employees on pay and employment rights.