MINIMUM WAGE RATES AND SUPPORT WORKERS

Early day motion 432, tabled 10 December 2009 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 36 members.

That this House recognises the valuable work of support workers who provide overnight support to vulnerable adults; notes with concern that employers are able to pay rates below the minimum wage to support staff who sleepover but remain on call throughout the night; further recognises that it is often impossible for staff to spend any time asleep while on shift; and therefore urges the Government to bring forward proposals to put an end to the legal practice of paying support workers below the minimum wage for their sleep rate and to ensure that they are paid the minimum wage for sleepover hours.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 6, Independent 4, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.