Lib Dems Reveal Shocking Minimum Wage Statistic

10.55.03am GMT Thu 2nd Oct 2008

In the week that the minimum wage went up by 21 pence, Oldham Liberal Democrats can reveal that since the minimum wage was introduced in 1999, not a single employer in Greater Manchester has been prosecuted for not complying with it.

The revelation followed a Freedom of Information request from the Liberal Democrats.

The request, that was put forward last month to HM Revenue & Customs read: "Can you tell me how many prosecutions there have been in Greater Manchester for not complying with the minimum wages legislation since its introduction in 1999?" The response from HMRC clearly stated that: "There have been no prosecution cases in Greater Manchester."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East & Saddleworth Elwyn Watkins said: "It is both astonishing and disappointing to learn that there have not been any successful prosecutions brought against unscrupulous employers in the nine years since the minimum wage was introduced.

"There are undoubtedly many people who are not being paid the minimum wage across Oldham, Lees, Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton.

"This situation is unacceptable. More must be done to bring non-compliant businesses to book.

"Hardworking local people deserve fair pay, especially at a time when food, heating and fuel prices are rising sharply and every penny counts.

"Automatic fines of £5,000 for non-compliance are to be introduced next year, and they are a good start; but they are only of any use if they are enforced.

"The most serious cases must go to court. We must do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable workers in our area."