Social Services: Pay

(asked on 21st November 2014) - View Source

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2014 to Question 213960, where in the Social Care Commitment reference is made to employer compliance with minimum wage legislation.


Answered by
Jo Swinson Portrait
Jo Swinson
This question was answered on 28th November 2014

While I have regular discussions on a wide range of issues with Ministerial colleagues I do not currently have any plans to meet formally the Minister of State for Care and Support to discuss minimum wage enforcement in the care sector. We do, however, also ensure that our officials work closely, along with HM Revenue and Customs, to improve compliance in the sector.

To make the Social Care Commitment, employers must first commit to ensuring good employment practice. The terms and conditions of acceptance for the Social Care Commitment includes paying the National Minimum Wage as a minimum.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills monitors and reviews activity against the Service Level Agreement with HM Revenue and Customs throughout the year, and is considering what further targeted enforcement action might be appropriate to inform the next Service Level Agreement, which will commence in April 2015. As set out in my answer to PQ 213960 on 5 November 2014, action by HMRC continues to follow up on the previous targeted enforcement in the care sector, in addition to responding to every complaint made to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline.

Any worker who believes that they are being paid below the minimum wage should call the Pay & Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. HM Revenue & Customs investigate all complaints.

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