§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the change in the total number of(a) full-time equivalent employees and (b) hours worked due to the introduction of the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [121745]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe second report of the Low Pay Commission, published in February 2000, looked at these matters but found no indication so far of significant effects on the economy as a whole as a result of the introduction of the national minimum wage. Some sectors have been affected more than others and this is dealt with in detail in the report.
The Low Pay Commission continues to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the national minimum wage and is due to report again by July 2001.
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§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the(a) absolute and (b) proportional gross impact of the minimum wage on hourly wage rates for employees who were previously paid below the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [121744]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonAccording to the second report of the Low Pay Commission, the average increase in hourly earnings in the year to April 1999 for those earning below minimum wage rates in April 1998 was between 18 and 31 per cent.