§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what instructions he has issued to job centres to withdraw notices of vacancies advertised at less than the national minimum wage. [79698]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithResponsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Tim Boswell, dated 13 April 1999:
As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to reply direct to your question regarding the instructions that have been issued to Jobcentres to withdraw notices of vacancies advertised at less than the national minimum wage. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
Guidance has been issued to Jobcentres and other relevant parts of the Employment Service explaining that, from 1 April, they must only process and display vacancies which comply with the requirements of the National Minimum Wage Act and its associated 170W regulations. All Jobcentre Managers have been instructed to check that this guidance is being followed. Vacancy takes in Jobcentres will explain the requirements of the legislation to any employers who may seek to offer rates below the National Minimum Wage.
I hope this is helpful.