§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many calls have been received by the Minimum Wage Hotline(a) nationally and (b) from the Yorkshire and the Humberside Region since it was opened. [98024]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 10 November 1999]: Since the introduction of the national minimum wage on 1 April 1999, the National Minimum Wage Helpline has dealt with some 90,000 calls. There are no figures for individual regions, as most enquiries are dealt with over the telephone without the need to take such details.
§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employers have been found to be in contravention of national minimum wage legislation since its inception. [98037]
§ Mr. Alan Johnson[holding answer 10 November 1999]: Since the introduction of the national minimum wage on 1 April 1999, National Minimum Wage Compliance Officers have received some 3,200 complaints concerning workers being paid less than the minimum wage. Following investigations, officers found that, in around 50 per cent. of the cases, employers were not complying with the legislation. Action is taken in every case where underpayment is detected.