HC Deb 10 May 1983 vol 42 c723
9. Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what schemes for providing work experience and training for young unemployed people are subject to wages council regulations; and why.

Mr. Alison

Wages council regulations apply to employees, including young people, who are employed in industries where wages councils were established because of low pay and the inadequacy of wage negotiating machinery. They may therefore apply to some young people participating in special employment and training measures who have employee status.

Mr. Stanbrook

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many employers who are anxious to help the young unemployed have participated in the schemes without being informed that they might subsequently be penalised by the application of wages council regulations?

Mr. Alison

If my hon. Friend is referring to those who take part in the young workers scheme, I should point out that the application form makes it plain that the scheme does not exempt employers from their obligations under a statutory wages order.

Mr. Hardy

Does the Minister agree that, under this Government, the observance of the provision of fair wages and conditions for workers, young or old, means that we shall shortly be observing fewer ILO conventions than are currently observed in Hong Kong?

Mr. Alison

I entirely dispute that observation.