Minimum Wage Awareness Campaign Launched

A new government campaign to boost awareness of the national minimum wage and help expose cases of underpayment has been launched in London this week.The three-month, nationwide campaign started in East London with the unveiling of a minimum wage information tour bus.

The '£5.52: Are you on board?' bus will travel to more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, providing free help and information to members of the public, as well as access to online and phone support.It's thought that 1 million people in the UK, including 70,000 Londoners currently earn the national minimum wage, which increased in October last year to £5.52 for people aged 22 and over, £3.40 for 16-17 year olds and £4.60 for 18- 21 year olds.

Minister for employment relations, Pat McFadden, says: "Every worker should earn a fair wage for a fair day's work. We want to make sure workers know their rights and employers know their responsibilities...This information campaign will help provide those most at risk of underpayment with the advice and support they need to take action where necessary."

Workers visiting the bus will be able to use the tools provided on board to work out if they're being paid correctly, or to make a complaint if they have concerns, which enforcement officers will investigate.