Part-time Workers

HC Deb 04 March 2003 vol 400 cc916-7W

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to ensure that part-time workers receive(a) the minimum wage and (b) appropriate levels of paid leave. [100481]

Alan Johnson

Annual publicity campaigns have ensured that awareness of the minimum wage is at almost universal levels. Enforcement of the minimum wage is carried out by the Inland Revenue. If any worker—whether part or full-time—is not receiving the minimum wage, they should phone the helpline on 0845 6000 678. All complaints are followed up by Inland Revenue enforcement teams and workers' details remain confidential.

The Working Time Regulations give all workers the right to four weeks paid leave per year. Part-timers receive this pro-rata depending on the hours they normally work. This was publicised following the introduction of the Regulations and again in 2001. It is enforced through the Employment Tribunals.