Plymouth’s two Labour MPs, Linda Gilroy and Alison Seabeck, today were welcoming new holiday entitlement for around 400,000 workers in the South West, and another rise in the minimum wage that will see 90,000 families in the region better off from October 1^st. 

The new leave entitlement, increased from 20 to 24 days, fulfils a Labour manifesto pledge to boost the rights of workers who are forced to use bank holidays as part of their annual leave. A further increase to 28 days will take place in April 2009.  The minimum wage for those over 22 rises to £5.52 an hour, with similar increases for younger workers. When these are added to Working Tax Credits and other benefits, it now means that families with one child and one full-time worker have a guaranteed minimum income of at least £276 a week, or over £14,000 a year. 

Alison Seabeck MP commented: “This is really great news for thousands of workers in Plymouth. Many people find their entitlement to holiday is cut back by the use of bank holidays in the figures, and today’s new rules redress the balance.” 

Linda Gilroy MP said: “This latest increase in the minimum wage is another step forward in making Britain a fairer society. We are determined to do right by Plymouth’s hardworking families – the Tories unfortunately opposed the minimum wage and annual leave entitlement every step of the way. Things are much better but there is more to do. For instance, I am working with USDAW in their campaign against the lower wage for young workers, but I can remember going into Plymouth job centre and seeing cleaning work advertised for £1.00 an hour. We will never go back to that and it is great to see more progress being made.” 

The changes that come into effect this week are backed by a tough new enforcement regime, with higher fines for those who flout the laws. If people feel their rights are being ignored they can contact their MP, trade union or ring the National Minimum Wage helpline confidentially on 0845 6000 678.

 3 October 2007