§ 42. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking against employers who breach minimum wages guidelines.
§ Mr. John GrantI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the rates fixed by wages councils. Any employer who does no more than is necessary to comply with a wages order is fulfilling a statutory obligation and is, therefore, not in breach of the pay guidelines. Employers already paying above the statutory minimum rates will be expected to observe the guidelines.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the average wage rise in (a) the public sector and (b) the private sector since the end of phase 2 of the Government's income policy.
§ Mr. GoldingWe have no figures for the average level of settlements in the public and private sectors since the end of phase 2.