Unison: Apprentices should receive minimum wage

09:27 1st April 2009

Apprentices should be paid the minimum wage in recognition of the fact that they will comprise a vital part of the future workforce, according to Unison.

The major public sector union called for the minimum wage plan to be implemented in the autumn of this year, while it is advocating paying workers between 18 and 22 the adult rate of £5.73 an hour.

Sophie Madden, a spokesperson for Unison, said the move will enable more young people to pursue apprenticeships and those supporting families will be better able to do so.

Ms Madden said: "Apprentice positions are in key areas where we have skill shortages at the moment and they are an important investment in the future of our country."

She added that people aged under 25 face similar costs to older workers so they should be paid the same.

Encouraging more people to take up an apprenticeship could also prompt interest in IT training and computer courses.

The government recently announced plans to invest £140 million in boosting the number of apprentices working in the UK.