Have your say on the minimum wage for apprentices

The minimum wage has been mandatory for all workers over the age of 18 since 1999 and in 2004 it was also introduced for those over the compulsary school age. The Government are now set to create a minimum wage for apprentices.

The new wage for apprentices has been recommended by the Low Pay Commission (LPC), who have been asked to make their recommentations on the rate and what it should entail.

In October, habia and the National Hairdressers' Federation will be meeting the LPC to discuss the arrangements and asking for your views on the following questions:

• What is an appropriate rate for an apprentice minimum wage?
• At what level(s) of apprenticeship should the apprentice wage apply? 
• Should the apprentice minimum wage vary by age, and if so, how?
• Over what time period should the apprentice wage apply?  Should the wage vary over the duration of training (e.g. be staged between years)?
• Should the apprentice wage apply on a weekly or hourly basis?
• How should time spent training (either 'on-the-job' or 'off-the-job') rather than working be treated?

Habia are welcoming responses from learning providers and salon owners and spa operators before Friday, 25th September, so don't miss the chance to have your say.

• Learning providors minimum wage questionnaire
  
  
• Salon Owners and Spa Operators minimum wage questionnaire