« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
9. Setting a Minimum Wage for MAs
9.1 The National Minimum Wage ( NMW) is a reserved matter. Under current legislation, all apprentices who are under 19 are exempt from NMW. As are those aged 19 to 25 who are in the first year of their training.
9.2 However, as all MAs are employed from the start of their training, their rate of pay often reflects that they are in training and will likely only be a proportion of the wage they would receive if they were qualified. Certainly in the early days of their training, MAs are unlikely to be productive members of the workforce. In addition it should also be borne in mind that subsidised training is also being provided for that individual.
9.3 We believe that employed status trainees (which includes MAs) should be no worse off financially than if they were receiving their training allowance and travel contributions. In England, the Learning and Skills Council ( LSC) stipulates that employers must pay apprentices a minimum of £80 per week as this is considered the minimum household income (based on an Educational Maintenance Allowance ( EMA) and other passport benefits) anyone would likely receive if they were undertaking any other form of learning.
9.4 We would propose to encourage employers to pay MAs a minimum £80 per week. This would ensure there is an element of parity between MAs in Scotland and apprentices elsewhere in the UK. Evidence suggests that the vast amount of employers already pay apprentices over £80 per week and would therefore not be affected by this change.
Proposal
We will encourage employers to pay MAs a minimum of £80 per week.
Specific Questions
18. Do you think that MAs should be paid a minimum of £80 per week? YES/NO
19. Please explain the reasons for your answer to this question, if necessary
20. Please provide any suggestions about how a minimum wage for apprentices could be policed?
« Previous | Contents | Next »