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Citizens Advice has welcomed today’s announcement that the Government have accepted the latest recommendations by the Low Pay Commission to increase the rates in minimum wage again in October 2007.
It is estimated that this latest increase in rates will benefit 40,000 workers in Northern Ireland alone and around 1million throughout the UK, including 660,000 women workers.
From 1 October 2007 anyone aged 22 years and above will become entitled to £5.52 per hour, an increase of 17p. Workers aged 18 – 21 will become entitled to £4.60 per hour, an increase of 15p and those aged 16 & 17 will become entitled to £3.40 per hour, an increase of 10p per hour.
Citizens Advice operates the National Minimum Wage Helpline in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry and works in partnership with the HMRC Compliance team in the province. The Helpline offers impartial and confidential advice to workers and employers on all aspects of minimum wage legislation.
Diane Wilson, NMW Helpline Manager said:
“This latest increase announcement is good news and can make a real difference to the lives of thousands of low paid workers in Northern Ireland. Citizens Advice supports minimum wage as an important statutory employment right and believes that it is essential that all workers receive a fair wage for a days work.
The Helpline continues to receive a high number of calls from workers querying their take home pay, many of these workers are not aware that their employer is breaking the law if they are paying below minimum wage and that the worker has the right to be paid arrears of wages as well.
I would urge anyone who is concerned about their pay to contact the Helpline on 
0845 6500 207, for confidential and impartial advice.”
Since the introduction of the legislation the NMW Helpline has assisted over 5000 workers throughout Northern Ireland to assert this statutory employment right and over £2million of underpaid arrears have been identified by the HMRC Compliance Team for workers across the province. The Helpline are expecting a marked increase in calls to the service as workers and employers implement the latest increase. The Helpline have launched a proactive education campaign with local employers over the last year and around 40% of callers are conscientious employers checking that they are paying their staff within the legislation. If you require information or advice regarding minimum wage please contact the NMW Helpline on 0845 6500 207.
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