Staff set for minimum wage boost

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Staff set for minimum wage boost

Nov 20, 2008

Some of the lowest paid workers at Manchester City Council could be set for a pay rise of £1.01 above the minimum wage.

Councillors are to vote to introduce an authority-wide base wage of £6.74 an hour. The national minimum is £5.73.

Up to 850 employees could benefit from the so-called "Manchester minimum wage", the city council said.

If approved, Manchester will become the first local authority outside London to introduce its own minimum wage.

Other employers

Officials say the pay increase would be a significant step to helping it recruit and retain staff.

Councillor Bernard Priest, member for finance, said: "We recognise the importance of lower paid workers to the development of Manchester as a world class city.

"All too often the effects of any economic difficulties fall disproportionately on this group, but we hope that the introduction of the Manchester minimum wage will benefit poorer communities as well as help us to attract and retain quality employees."

If the proposal is adopted, the council said it would work with other public sector organisations to encourage take up across the city.

Source: BBC

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