National Minimum Wage - needed now more than ever‏

The UNISON 2009 submission to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) is available on line: (http://www.unison.org.uk/Acrobat/e5719.pdf)

The union makes a detailed set of recommendations including a higher rate set at £7.45 an hour, the full adult minimum wage should apply to 18 – 21 year olds and that a priority target for NMW enforcement should be employment agencies and social care companies.

On the latter point the union evidence includes a case study of care workers being ruthlessly exploited by being paid rates as low as £1.56 per 15 minute visit to client with unpaid travel time.

On a more positive footing the evidence case studies the agreement reached by UNISON in Manchester City Council for a minimum living wage rate of £6.74 - £1.01 above the NMW rate.

The LPC is expected to make recommendations to the Government in March 2010 prior to the General Election