We want your views
Do you think there should be a minimum wage for workers in the hospitality industry?
Labour leader Tony Blair is to consult employers before deciding on what minimum wage rate will be set if the party wins the next general election.
Although Labour's manifesto said it would be pinned to the mid-point of men's average earnings, Mr Blair said at the weekend that he now planned to take account of economic circumstances and might not be able to set the level until after the election.
A report launched by the party at the weekend states that more than a million people across the UK are earning less than £2.50 an hour.
The latest Pay and Benefits Bulletin by Industrial Relations Services shows that pay awards by employers in the hotel and catering industry are running at about 2.9%.
This means that most workers will have had no real increase in their wages after inflation is taken into account.
Whatever your opinion on the subject, we'd like to hear from you on Caterer Connect - our new 24-hour electronic telephone system. Simply dial 0990 101133 and follow the instructions you are then given.
If you think there should be a minimum wage all you need to do is enter 00002.
If, however, you are against it, enter 00003.
The results of our mini-survey will be published in next week's issue.
