A CAMPAIGN led by shop-workers union USDAW to secure a national minimum wage for 16 and 17 year-olds has ended in victory.
Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary has announced that 16 and 17 year-olds will, for the first time, be brought under the protection of the minimum wage legislation.
One Bolton teenager was reported as earning just £1.75 an hour.During USDAW's campaign they discovered one Bolton youngster earning just £1.75 per hour. Now, from October 1, all 16 and 17 year olds must be paid at least £3 per hour.
Sir Bill Connor, USDAW general secretary said: "This is tremendous news -- and long overdue. This will give young people a sense of feeling valued in society, rather than being left vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
"This is a cautious first step -- we will be pressing the Low Pay Commission to bring the rate up to at least 80 per cent of the rate that is currently given to workers aged 18 to 21."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article