Nxt Manchester — Nov./Dec. 2008 - (Page 7)

They did the lenge Q: I own a small manufacturing business that employs both part time and full time staff. I have recently learned that the minimum wage will be increasing. Some of my staff are under 18. How will this wage increase affect our business? Chloe Brittain answers: Yes the minimum wage rates changed as of Oct. 1. Approximately 1 million workers will benefit from a 3.8 percent increase in the national minimum wage from £5.52 to £5.73 per hour. This is the new rate for workers aged 22 and above. The rate for 18 to 21 year olds has increased to £4.77 and for those aged 16 and 17 the rate increases to £3.53. In the current financial climate it is hoped that this increase rate will help workers in the wake of the higher costs of food, fuel and energy prices. However, employers are concerned the increase in wages may unbalance them in an already unstable economic climate. If company employees are not paid by the hour, employers must make sure that payments made to those workers are at least equal to the minimum wage for the hours they work. Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden believes this is a further step in protecting employment rights for every worker under the National Minimum Wage legislation. He believes this supports legitimate businesses. “The vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly and have nothing to fear from these changes. In fact, strong enforcement will help prevent rogue bosses from undercutting honest competitors,” Pat said. It is important employers adhere to these new rules. The Employment Bill is currently before Parliament. It will introduce an automatic fine of up to £5,000 for businesses found to be underpaying their workers. HM Revenue and Customs can issue an enforcement notice to you. Chloe Brittain Solicitor in Employment Law Weightmans NXT CHALLENGE This will specify the amount owed to the worker and the way it must be paid. If businesses fail to comply with this enforcement notice a penalty may be issued. The minimum penalty is currently £240.66. Chloe Brittain is a solicitor specialising in Employment Law in the Manchester Office of Weightmans. T: 0161 833 2601 E: Chloe.Brittain@ Weightmans.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Nxt Manchester — Nov./Dec. 2008

Nxt Manchester – Nov./Dec. 2008 Contents Editor's Notes Nxt Challenge Scott Hider BNW: Angels Den BNW: Pink Ladies BNW: EEF BNW: CarbonZero BNW: Dennis Turner Nxtbook Stateside Nxtbook Europe MP Arlene McCarthy Career Profiles In The Spotlight Avoiding Business Fraud News Nxt News Events Listings (Nov./Dec.) Do the Nxt Challenge

Nxt Manchester — Nov./Dec. 2008

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