The Scottish Trades Union Congress today (Tuesday 9 September) called on the Scottish Government to ensure that apprentices in Scotland benefit from the increase in minimum wage levels announced by the UK Secretary of State for Innovation Universities and Skills, John Denham MP, at the TUC Congress in Brighton. John Denham MP has announced that the minimum pay rate for Modern Apprentices in England will rise from £80 per week, to £95 per week in August 2009.
Speaking after listening to John Denham’s announcement, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“John Denham’s announcement is very welcome. The STUC is now urging the Scottish Government to ensure that Modern Apprentices in Scotland get the same increase in their minimum pay rates”.
Mr Smith continued:
“The STUC believes the full National Minimum Wage, currently £5.52 an hour, should apply to all Modern Apprentices. Many apprentices will be earning more than the minimum level outlined today due to agreements reached between trade unions and employers. However, this increase will be a boost to hundreds of low paid apprentices, particularly women, in sectors where their work and training is being undervalued.”
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Mary Senior tel 0141 337 8100