Young workers ripped off
A recent TUC report has exposed massive exploitation of young apprentices by unscrupulous employers, with the blessing of the New Labour government and the Low Pay Commission.
Jake Moore
An estimated 70% of apprentices who are learning skills in trades as diverse as construction, health care and retail are exempt from the already criminally low minimum wage rates. Apprentices under the age of 19, and older apprentices in their first year of training are entitled to a minimum weekly wage of just £80 per week. This falls to £50 a week in Wales, and a meagre £40 in Northern Ireland.
The TUC report estimates that in low-paid sectors, apprentice drop-out rates are as high as four out of ten. Furthermore, 5% of apprentices are still receiving less than the £80 per week minimum, and in some sectors, such as retail and customer services, apprentices reported receiving no wage at all!
Apprentices are the lifeblood of industry, helping replenish skilled positions as older workers retire or others leave their prospective trades. However, is it any wonder drop-out rates are so high when you consider the poverty pay and exploitation many apprentices encounter?
Bosses make their super-profits by exploiting workers' labour, but without a skilled workforce their profits would soon dry up. Construction union UCATT estimates that the construction industry requires 87,000 new recruits each year - without apprentices the industry would soon collapse - it is time apprentices are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
- Scrap minimum wage exemption for apprentices, as a step towards a minimum wage of £8 per hour for all. For an end to apprentices being used as cheap or free labour!
- For apprentices' conditions to be brought in line with those of other workers.
- Defend and expand the apprenticeship programme to provide high quality accessible training for all.
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In The Socialist 10 September 2008:
Housing Crisis: Brown has no answers
War and occupation
USA: Defying police, students walk out against the Republican national convention
Socialist Party editorial
US mortgage bank nationalisation - sign of deepening crisis
Scotland
Scotland council tax to be scrapped
Scotland: Council pay battle at critical stage
Socialist Party workplace news
Workers' anger surfaces at TUC
London bus workers inspired by strike
Socialism 2008
Socialist Party campaigns
May Day detainees fight for justice
Fans pay for the success of the 'beautiful game'
Socialist Students
Fighting start to freshers fairs
Bangor University students union fees referendum
Environment and socialism
Can we have 'the right to travel' - without adding to climate change?
Socialist Party review
Richard Dawkins: The genius of Charles Darwin, (Channel 4)
International socialist news and analysis
Thailand in grip of political deadlock
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