Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by David Winnick (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 January 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2017 (named day). It was answered by Margot James (Conservative) on Friday, 20 January 2017 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Minimum Wage

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to encourage employers to consider paying above the minimum wage levels set in legislation.

Answer

The Government wants to build an economy that works for everyone, where low wage workers are fairly rewarded for their contribution to the UK economy.

We believe that it is essential for employers to ensure that their reward packages are competitive, in order to retain and develop the workers who are fundamental to their success. However, it is ultimately for employers to decide how they manage increases in their wage bill. The Government will hence continue to set a minimum hourly wage, and remuneration above that rate is a contractual matter for the employer and worker.

The Government has committed to ensuring a competitive business environment. The Government’s increase in the Employment Allowance, and reduction in employers’ National Insurance contributions, is estimated to benefit up to 500,000 businesses and charities, and the government’s cuts to the main rate of corporation tax will benefit over a million companies, allowing them to increase the pay of their workers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
60394
Session
2016-17
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Minimum wage
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk