10th September 2008
Apprentices are set to receive a £15 boost in minimum pay, taking their guaranteed earnings to £95 a week.
The announcement by Skills Secretary John Denham came at the TUC's Brighton conference, where unions are threatening strike action over public sector pay.
Average apprentice pay currently stands at around £170 each week, and the new rate of minimum pay is set to come in during next year.
Mr Denham said the changes are set to bring the most benefit to young people working in low-paid industries such as hairdressing and personal care.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber welcomed the news, which is set to affect around 10% (26,000) of Britain's apprentices.
"Today's announcement will be a welcome boost for the thousands of low-paid apprentices, particularly women, who are struggling to make ends meet," he said.
"Pay increases will help more people to complete their training and boost the reputation of apprenticeships.
"Employers will also benefit from a greater number of skilled employees, and as a result more organisations will be attracted to the ever improving apprenticeship brand."
Minimum pay for apprentices to rise
The announcement by Skills Secretary John Denham came at the TUC's Brighton conference, where unions are threatening strike action over public sector pay.
Average apprentice pay currently stands at around £170 each week, and the new rate of minimum pay is set to come in during next year.
Mr Denham said the changes are set to bring the most benefit to young people working in low-paid industries such as hairdressing and personal care.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber welcomed the news, which is set to affect around 10% (26,000) of Britain's apprentices.
"Today's announcement will be a welcome boost for the thousands of low-paid apprentices, particularly women, who are struggling to make ends meet," he said.
"Pay increases will help more people to complete their training and boost the reputation of apprenticeships.
"Employers will also benefit from a greater number of skilled employees, and as a result more organisations will be attracted to the ever improving apprenticeship brand."
Tags: Education & skills, Employment
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