When would a minimum wage max out?

HJ News Editor, Matthew Batham, asked what is a fair wage for an apprentice?

Salon apprentices are vital to every salon business and to the future of the industry, so isn't it only right they should be paid a decent wage? Or should the apprentices be grateful that a salon owner and team are investing time and money in giving their career a decent foundation?

These are the question the industry is contemplating as the introduction of a national minimum wage for apprentices is considered by the government. The Low Pay Commission has been given the task of advising the government on the rate and arrangements for an apprentice minimum wage.

Representative from Habia and the National Hairdressers Federation are meeting with the LPC in October to discuss the situation and to put the case for the industry.

You can have an input into this discussion by answering a series of questions, whether you are a learning provider or a salon owner.

It will be interesting to hear what the consensus is from salon owners in the UK.

I heard from a salon owner recently who definitely realises the importance of finding the right apprentices - and she was taking no chances!

Jenny Paul, of Obsession Salon, Ramsgate, Kent wanted an apprentice who was "full of passion" and so set up a recruitment process inspired by TV programme The Apprentice. Jenny teamed up with a local training academy to really put applicants through their paces, setting them a series of tasks to test their commitment to the job. One of these tasks involved the recruits heading into Ramsgate with the mission of getting at least two new clients into the salon that day. The eventual winner was 17 year-old Emma Wolski.

Such a recruitment process would certainly deter anyone of thought hairdressing was an easy option, but should the type of young person willing to demonstrate such passion also be paid a national minimum wage? Or should a salon owner prepared to put this amount of effort into the selection process be recognised for providing an excellent career opportunity - and not landed with a higher wage bill for their efforts?

I'm staying very much on the fence, but it would be good to hear your comments, whether you are a student, a practising apprentice or a salon owner.