my rights?

[Kitiara]

Hi All,

Future Son in Law started work for present company in Feb 2008 as an apprentice plumber, he qualified 2 years after starting and is still on the same salary as when he started. He has never received a contract and is currently working for £4ish per hour (he is 25 years old and works on average 50 hours per week). He wants to push for a pay rise as he and my daughter are saving to get married. He was promised a pay rise on qualifying, which has not happened. He has asked previously, but is always told that the company can't afford it at the moment. The company has recently taken on a Secretary who is on over double his wages each week, which seems very unfair given the reasoning behind not being given a raise.

He would like to know where he stands if he decides to take it further as what he is being paid doesn't anywhere near meet living standards or minimum wage, and also what he can quote to strengthen his case when asking for the pay increase.

Thanks,

Kit

[mariefab]

Re: my rights?

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/39/contents

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights-helpline

[charitynjw]

Re: my rights?

Hi Kitiara,

There is no legal obligation for the company to provide a written contract of employment, but he should have received a statement of employment particulars within 2 months of commencing work.
https://www.gov.uk/employment-contra...nt-particulars

Is he still working as an apprentice, or is he expected to work under his own initiative (with the responsibility for work undertaken by him)?

[charitynjw]

Re: my rights?

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payerti/payro...ctions/nmw.htm
Current national minimum wage rates

There are currently three aged based national minimum wage rates and an apprentice rate, which are usually updated in October each year. The rates that apply from 1 October 2013 are as follows:

• for workers aged 21 years or more: £6.31 per hour
• for workers aged 18 to 20 inclusive: £5.03 per hour
• for workers aged under 18 (but above compulsory school age): £3.72 per hour
• for apprentices aged under 19: £2.68 per hour
• for apprentices aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship: £2.68 per hour

Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed one year of their apprenticeship are entitled to receive the national minimum wage rate applicable to their age.
See more information on the national minimum wage rates for earlier years on the GOV.UK website by following the link below

http://National minimum wage entitle...ns new window)