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Many countries have at some time or another passed legislation to set a minimum wage that employers must pay. The minimum wage in England is one of the good thing's to have come out of Tony Blair's Labour government. I know it is fraught with problems but it's good points far outweigh it's bad.

The Bad Points.

Some employers will only pay the minimum wage, knowing that they can actually afford to pay more. It has meant that they feel justified in paying less because it is legal and they can.

I believe That if you are under a certain age you earn less, which is unfair if you are doing the same work. Also this enables employers to take staff from this younger more vulnerable age group in preference to older employees.

Some smaller businesses may struggle paying staff wages.

It does mean that many unskilled workers are being paid the same as those workers with skills and qualifications. The differential needs addressing.

The Good Points.

Despite claims that the minimum wage would send small businesses to the wall most have survived and prospered. Having had a husband, who at one time earned a pittance for working a 60 hour week, I feel that the minimum wage has to be a good thing. The place he worked for, with the appalling wage, has gone from strength to strength and proved it could have paid a living wage voluntarily many years before it had to. Obviously though it never would without legislation.

The minimum wage now increases every year and keeps in-line with inflation. Well as much as any of our salaries do.

Overall the minimum wage is very beneficial to many working people and their families. It has encouraged some to leave the cushion of benefit or to actively seek work. We must never forget that the minimum wage is no vast fortune and is just that-the minimum anyone should be expected to work for. Until some employers stop being plain greedy with profits I think that legislation will be needed to protect the workforce. After all if someone does a fair day's work it should be for a fair day's pay. Problems could arise, however, if England undergoes a change of Government and the Minimum wage is scrapped.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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