§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have received regarding the rate of accommodation offset for hotel and catering employees. [HL2113]
§ The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)We have received a small number of representations in the past year regarding the rate of the accommodation offset for hotel and catering employees which raised concerns about the maximum level of the offset. The Low Pay Commission received similar representations and these were considered for its second report, published in February. It recommended that the offset should be retained at its present rate and its level considered again when the national minimum wage is next reviewed. The Government accepted this recommendation.
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§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they have not increased the maximum £20 weekly offset for accommodation provided to hotel and catering employees. [HL2114]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe maximum amount of 1:20 is not meant to reflect the commercial value of the accommodation provided but is designed to protect workers from unreasonable accommodation charges.
The Government agree with the Low Pay Commission's finding in its second report that the present amount of a maximum of £20 per week should be retained and that its level should be considered again when the commission next reports on the national minimum wage in July 2001.