|

New rights for working people

8 April 2009

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP who was on the Parliamentary Committee in 1998 which dealt with the detail of Labour's National Minimum Wage law, says:

"It is good that the 10th anniversary of the introduction by the Labour government of Britain's first National Minimum Wage is celebrated with three new key rights for working people which come into effect in April.

"I remember back in 1998 when we were taking the NMW legislation through Parliament how Tory MPs on the committee opposed almost every line of the legislation.

"I've always supported the Labour government's efforts to bring more fairness at work and I'm pleased that from April three new key rights which I voted for come into effect."

David added:

"It's only right that hard working people get a decent amount of time off and the chance to balance work and home life. So from April statutory holiday entitlement will increase by 4 days to 5.6 weeks for full-time workers (28 days), pro rata for part-timers.

"And more people will now have the right to request flexible working as from April it will be extended to parents of children aged 16 or under."

"Also this month tough new powers to take action against rogue employers who underpay staff come into force. Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work - there is no excuse not to pay up. I supported and voted for the Employment Act because I wanted to see tougher action on rogue employers who con their staff.

"Rogue employers need to be exposed. If you think a rogue employer is not paying up then get in touch with the national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678. And don't worry, you don't have to give your name or details to them if you don't want to."