Minimum wage

Home secretary David Blunkett has suggested there could be moves to consider a "differential minimum wage" in different parts of the country.

Stakeholder Response: British Youth Council

Blossom Young, chairman of the British Youth Council, said: "BYC believes that everyone above 16 should have the right to equal benefits and protections. 

"Time has clearly shown that a minimum wage has not damaged businesses and the UK labour market remains very healthy.  Regional variations is something that could be looked at in more depth but our most pressing concern is now with the current discrimination against young people.

"We recently led a successful campaign to introduce a minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds, which will come into force this October but at a third lower rate.

"Although we welcome the introduction of a minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds, a lower minimum wage for younger people will only compel them to work longer hours, damaging their health and education.

"How old you are should not determine the level of wage protection you’re entitled to.  A fair and equal minimum wage for those above 16 would help to prevent exploitation and encourage young people to view themselves as valued members of the workforce."

Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium

James Harborne, employment policy executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: "The idea of a differential, regionalised  minimum wage is not new. Whilst it may have attractions in the long term, it can be argued there are a number of caveats that cannot be ignored. Not least of these is that the Low Pay Commission has not yet defined its strategic goal for the national minimum wage. It would be irresponsible to explore the possibility of a differential minimum wage without first deciding this.