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9th October 2007
Kitty Ussher MP has today welcomed new leave entitlement laws which will benefit hundreds of workers in Burnley and another rise in the minimum wage that will benefit millions on low incomes in Britain.
Up to six million workers across the UK, including 3.5 million women and 2.5 million men, will benefit from the extra annual leave starting this week, with full time workers now entitled to 24 paid days holiday and part time workers protected on a pro rata basis. The new leave entitlement helps fulfil a Labour manifesto pledge to give an extra boost to workers who are made to take bank holidays out of their annual leave entitlement.
In addition, more than a million workers across the UK will be better off as a result of the minimum wage increases which will see the hourly rate rise to £5.52 an hour. When combined with Working Tax Credits and other benefits, will provide a guaranteed minimum income of at least £276 a week for working families.
The changes that come into effect this week will be backed up by a tough new minimum wage enforcement regime announced by the Government last month, including increased maximum fines for employers who flout the laws. Employers who do not pay the correct wages will have to repay arrears to their workers at a higher rate.
Kitty Ussher MP said:
“This is great news for the hard working people of Burnley who stand to benefit from the increased holiday entitlement Labour is introducing from this week. Many of our lowest paid workers will also be better off thanks to the latest increase in the minimum wage. These changes show that Labour is determined to do right by Britain’s hardworking families and make work pay.”
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