§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidelines the wages inspectorate uses in determining what deductions are reasonable for meals and drinks; and what are the maximum amounts which employers can deduct for meals and drinks(a) when deductions for accommodation are also being made and (b) when no deductions for accommodation are being made.
Mr. JacksonWages inspectors aim to ensure that workers in wages council industries are paid at least minimum remuneration based on the hours they work, the minimum hourly rates determined by the councils and any limit on the amount which may be deducted for accommodation set by the council. They accept deductions for meals and drinks only if these are made by agreement. Workers are entitled to receive their minimum remuneration and not to take any meals or other goods provided by the employer unless they wish to do so. In any case, deductions will normally be accepted only if they do not exceed the cost to the employer of providing the meals and drinks in question.