Young workers don't know they should get minimum wage

MstT young people have no idea that they could benefit from the minimum wage regulations, which come into force next month, says a new survey.

A Mori poll found four out of five 16- to 24-year-olds did not know there was a £3 an hour minimum pay rate for 18- to 22-year-olds and a £3.60 adult rate from April.

When asked what they thought the minimum would be, almost two-thirds believed the rate to be more. Of those that specified a figure, 16% thought £4 was the true amount.

The findings are likely to compound trade union fears that unscrupulous bosses will try to avoid paying the new rate. Last week the Transport & General Workers' Union said that revisions to the rules which allow employers to avoid keeping any detailed records would make it easier for those that wished to flout the law (Caterer, 25 February, page 6).