AGE DISCRIMINATION IN PAY RATES

Early day motion 307, tabled 24 October 2001 by Adam Price (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 46 members.

That this House notes that McDonald's is unfairly penalising young workers under the age of 22 by paying them a starting rate of ú3.90 an hour whilst those aged over 22 begin on ú4.10 an hour; further notes that McDonald's is a major employer of young people as many students work in the service industry to finance their way through college; calls on McDonald's and all other companies. to pay an equal wage to all workers who are doing the same job; further notes with concern that companies are able to discriminate against people aged under 22 because the Government has done so by creating a lower rate of minimum wage; further notes that the Low Pay Commission has recommended that 21 year olds receive the standard rate but that the Government has rejected this; further notes that young people have exactly the same living costs, such as food and rent, as everyone else; and further calls on the Government to abolish the lower rate of minimum wage and end this practice of age discrimination.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3.