Western Mail

Poorest workers ‘have little idea about their basic rights’

- David Williamson Political editor david.williamson@walesonlin­e.co.uk

MANY of Wales’ poorest workers have no idea about their basic rights, according to new research by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The findings suggest that in many occasions people would not know if they were being illegally denied the minimum wage.

The survey of Welsh workers earning less than £15,000 found:

65% did not know staff on the minimum wage must be paid for time spent travelling between assignment­s;

56% did not know staff earning the minimum wage must be paid for tasks done before or after they officially start work;

52% thought workers could agree to be paid less than the minimum wage;

52% believed apprentice­s were not entitled to the minimum wage;

42% did not know that people paid less than the minimum wage can claim back the cash they should have been paid.

Jennie Granger of the HMRC urged people to get in touch if they are being “ripped off ”.

She said: “Almost all workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage – it’s the law and there are no exceptions. It really is that simple.

“We are determined to ensure working people understand their rights so they know what they should get. We also want them to know where they can go to report it if they are missing out on pay – if you think you are getting ripped off by your employer, tell us.

“HMRC respond to every complaint we receive. Last year alone we helped over 58,000 workers get more than £10m in underpaid wage arrears, putting money back in their pockets.”

Victoria Winckler of the Bevan Foundation urged workers to join a union to protect their rights.

She said: “The National Minimum Wage is hardly a huge amount. It’s bad enough that so many people earn the minimum.

“And it’s even worse that they’re not aware of their rights to be paid for travel between appointmen­ts or for shutting up shop. It’s very likely that people are being paid below the minimum because they’re doing work that’s unpaid or having money deducted for uniforms etc.

“I’m pleased that HMRC are launching a publicity campaign but it still puts the onus on individual workers to make a complaint. If your job is not secure or you’re worried about being victimised you’re unlikely to ring to complain.

“HMRC needs to get tough on employers who knowingly underpay their staff. And at the end of the day, the best thing workers can do is join a union.”

Excuses given by employees for not paying the minimum wage include: Using tips to top-up pay; making staff pay for their uniforms;

not paying for time spent shutting up the shop or clearing security checks;

not paying for time spent travelling from one appointmen­t to another.

Since 1999, HMRC has helped more than 300,000 people denied the minimum wage receive more than £68m.

On Saturday, minimum wage rates will go up.

The National Living Wage for those aged 25–plus will increase by 30p to £7.50 per hour.

This is how the minimum wage rates will change:

the rate for 21 to 24-year-olds will increase by 10p to £7.05 per hour

the rate for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase by 5p to £5.60 per hour

the rate for 16 to 17-year-old will increase by 5p to £4.05 per hour

the apprentice rate will increase by 10p to £3.50 per hour.

Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesman Jonathan Edwards said: “This analysis shows how important it is that Government agencies such as HMRC take a more active role in chasing scrupulous employers who exploit workers. The authoritie­s are very diligent in chasing innocent workers who accidental­ly pay too little tax and this diligence should extend to chasing employers who deliberate­ly exploit their workers as well as businesses who deliberate­ly evade taxes.”

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