Changes to the minimum wage for apprentices will help thousands of apprentices when it comes into force in October 2014, AB Glass, the Swansea-based commercial and domestic aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling manufacturer and Installation Company, has said.
Chancellor George Osborne unveiled plans in the Budget this week (Wednesday March 18) for the minimum wage for apprentices to rise to £3.30 an hour from £2.73.
Although far off the national minimum wage, which will increase to £6.70 in October, it is the biggest rise in recent history and the biggest wage increase in this year’s Budget.
Alan Brayley, Managing Director of AB Glass, said that the sharp rise will make a drastic difference to those currently receiving the £2.73 minimum.
Brayley said:
“We at AB Glass feel that as a founding principle an apprentice should be paid a wage for doing a job, albeit involving periods of education and training.
“There are clear legal, moral and business reasons for employers to pay apprentices a decent wage. We welcome the fact that in the budget statement a rise of the minimum apprentice wage by 57 pence is a step in the right direction and a good thing. As their skills develop we feel apprentices pay should also increase accordingly.
“This will be largest increase that apprentices have seen in the minimum wage, and it is just a shame it has taken so long to recognise the hard work they carry out. Here at AB Glass we employ several apprentices and will continue to do so as our core ethos is helping the local community, and helping those who want to work.”