WHEN families are struggling with rising fuel, energy and food prices, it is more important than ever to have the National Minimum Wage.
Everyone should earn a fair wage for a day's work – there is no excuse not to pay up.
And there were two welcome bits of news last week that will be a boost to workers in South Shields.
The Government has said that it wants to change the min
imum wage rules on tipping so that in the future, tips will be in addition to the minimum wage.
For me, this is a matter of fairness.
When you leave a tip, you expect it to go to the staff on top of their pay, not to be put through the payroll to make up the minimum wage.
This action on tips will benefit workers throughout South Shields, people we all rely on, but who sometimes don't have the strongest voice.
And as part of Labour's crackdown on those who try to exploit workers, tough new penalties for employers who under-pay their staff have been made law.
I supported and voted for Labour's Employment Act because I wanted to see tougher action on rogue employers who con their staff. It has become law.
This means tough penalties come into force in April.
There could be unlimited fines for the most serious cases rather than the maximum limit of £5,000.
It will also mean a fairer way of dealing with minimum wage arrears, calculated so workers do not lose out.
But to make sure people are getting the minimum wage, rogue employers need caught.
If you think an employer is not paying up, then call me on 456 8910, or phone the national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678. And don't worry, it's confidential.
