§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Paymaster General if he will outline by what methods the Wages Inspectorate distinguishes between workers aged over and under 21 years for the purposes of enforcing the Wages Act 1986; and what is the additional inspection time allocated for this new check.
§ Mr. LeeIf, in the course of a check, it appears to the inspector that an employer may be paying a young worker less than the statutory minimum, verification of the worker's date of birth is sought from the employer. Where appropriate the date is confirmed by interviewing the worker. This is not a new check and no additional work is involved. Inspectors have always checked dates of birth to confirm compliance with wages orders which specify age-related minimum rates of pay.