North West low paid unaware of NMW rules

MOST low paid workers in the North West would be unaware if they were being illegally denied the National Minimum Wage, it has been revealed.

HM Revenue and Customs, which investigates National Minimum (NMW) and Living Wage (NLW) breaches, revealed a survey of low paid workers across the region found most were unaware of the rules and how their employer could be underpaying them.

The survey findings follow the launch of a nationwide Government campaign to increase low paid workers' understanding of their rights around pay.

Jennie Granger, Director General for Customer Compliance at HMRC, said:- "Almost all workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage; it's the law and there are no exceptions. It really is that simple. We are determined to ensure working people understand their rights; if you think you are getting ripped off by your employer, tell us. We have a really straightforward online form that anyone can use. HMRC respond to every complaint we receive. In 2016 alone we helped over 58,000 workers get more than ₤10 million in underpaid wage arrears, putting money back in their pockets."

Business Minister, Margot James, said:- "There are no excuses for underpaying staff what they are legally entitled to. While most employers get it right, there are still a small number who fail to play by the rules. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be paid less to contact Acas as soon as possible. Every call is followed up by HMRC and we are determined to make sure everybody in work receives a fair wage."

The survey of workers earning less than ₤15,000 in the North West revealed:-

► 57% did not know staff earning the minimum wage must be paid for tasks or checks done before or after they officially start work.

► 48% did not know an employer cannot charge someone receiving the minimum wage for a uniform.

► 57% thought workers could agree to be paid less than the minimum wage.

► 54% believed apprentices were not entitled to the NMW.

► 73% did not know staff on the minimum wage must be paid for time spent travelling between work assignments.

► 40% did not know anyone paid less than the minimum wage can legally claim back their money.

The most common excuses from employers paying workers less than the minimum wage include using tips to top up pay, making staff pay for their uniforms, not paying for time spent shutting up the shop or clearing security checks, or time spent travelling from one appointment to another.

HMRC helps people denied the minimum wage receive the money they are owed with more than 300,000 people receiving more than ₤68 million of pay they wouldn't otherwise have got since 1999.

A national advertising campaign; which is carried on public transport, in shopping centres and other public places; has been on going ahead of the Government's National Minimum and National Living Wage rates rising on 1 April 2017.

To complain about being paid less than your legal entitlement, ring the ACAS Helpline, on:- 0300 123 1100.

Merseyside Police have hosted national conference on:- 'The Criminal, Dangerous and Anti Social Use of Motorcycles'

MERSEYSIDE Police on Thursday, 30 March 2017, have hosted a national conference on:- 'The Criminal, Dangerous and Anti Social Use of Motorcycles.' at Haydock Park.

The conference, brought together representatives from each of the 43 Police Forces, within England and Wales, alongside representatives from partner agencies and the motor industry, including:- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities, who are committed to tackling the problem which is the blight of communities across the country.

Speakers at the event included:- Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Ian Critchley; Paul Reddy from Slater and Gordon solicitors; Dave Luscombe from the Motorcycle Industry Association; Anne Studd QC; Chief Constable of West Mercia Police Anthony Bangham and Dr Daniel Silverstone from the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Police Studies.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley, said:- "For the last 6 years Merseyside Police has run Operation Brookdale, targeting the anti social and criminal use of motorbikes, but despite some real successes the problem still persists. But the problem isn't specific to Merseyside, other areas of the country have been plagued by irresponsible bike riders, who terrorise communities and prevent people from enjoying local parks. On Merseyside we have seen 3 members of the public killed and other members of the community seriously injured as a result of the recklessness of these individuals, despite some considerable success in disrupting their activities. In 2016 Operation Brookdale saw the seizure of 234 motorbikes (95 of which were stolen); 156 arrests; 50 warrants executed and 72 Section 58 warnings issued. The activity was supported by an extensive media campaign, which was well received by our communities, but still the problem persists. So we wanted to take this opportunity to come together and not only share good practice, but work with motor industry specialists to see if there is any innovation that we can tap in to which will help us tackle the problem and whether our partners have access to different types of legislation that could have an impact on those involved in the criminal and anti social use of motorcycles."

We have asked Merseyside Police to let us know what developments happen as a result of this conference and will let you know when that information becomes available.