Mandelson in minimum wage campaign

Nov 18 2008

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is to launch a new campaign aimed at boosting workers' awareness of the increased national minimum wage, as well as new penalties for employers who underpay their staff.

A roadshow will tour the UK over the next few months, stopping at 28 towns and cities, giving workers advice on their entitlements and how to make a complaint if they have been underpaid.

The Government is cracking down on rogue employers who try to exploit their workers, with unlimited fines for the most serious cases due to come into force next year.

The roadshows will have facilities to report cases of abuse, while fully trained staff will be on the spot to give expert advice.

The minimum wage for adults increased to £5.73 an hour in October, to £4.77 for workers aged 18-21 and £3.53 for workers under the age of 18.