§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates she has made of the costs to employers of standardising the minimum wage rate for all employees aged 18 and above. [131356]
§ Mr. Sutcliffe[holding answer 14 October 2003]: When the Low Pay Commission recommended in their 4th report that the rate for 18 to 21-year-olds should be increased to £3.80 an hour from October 2003, they took into account the need to maximise employment opportunities for young people in work. A significantly higher rate rise for young adult workers could have an impact on employment levels and this would make the cost to employers uncertain.