Great deal for the poor!

[redken1]

Today saw the minimum hourly wage rise by a below inflation rate of 2.5%.
The new statutory rate for adults increased by 15p to £6.08.
There is a 6p rise to £4.98 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and a 4p increase to £3.68 for 16- and 17-year-olds, while the apprentice rate goes up by 10p to £2.60.

Personally, I have never seen the point (in terms of fair wealth distribution) of a minimum wage if it is not fixed relative to the economy, and wage increases based on percentage rates. An employee on a £100,000 annual salary awarded a 2.5% rise will receive not 15p but, £1.20 per hour more. Is it any wonder that year on year the gap between the rich and poor widens?

We all have to pay the same for property, fuel, VAT, Energy, Food etc.
May be I have got it wrong and the new minimum wage rates relate to Zimbabwe or Congo. :P

[Nooj]

Don't we have the biggest rich/poor difference since WWII at the moment?

[Rabb]

Today saw the minimum hourly wage rise by a below inflation rate of 2.5%.
The new statutory rate for adults increased by 15p to £6.08.
There is a 6p rise to £4.98 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and a 4p increase to £3.68 for 16- and 17-year-olds, while the apprentice rate goes up by 10p to £2.60.

Personally, I have never seen the point (in terms of fair wealth distribution) of a minimum wage if it is not fixed relative to the economy, and wage increases based on percentage rates. An employee on a £100,000 annual salary awarded a 2.5% rise will receive not 15p but, £1.20 per hour more. Is it any wonder that year on year the gap between the rich and poor widens?

All that you've said is true.
Where I used to work percentage increases were always used.
I constantly reminded the management that it was unfair for the reasons that you have mentioned.
I was towards the top of the pay scale because of my position and job title however,
I don't forget where I came from and how difficult it is when you are lower down the pay scale.
The reason why pay changes are percentage based is because it's 'easy'.
If we are ever to regain the 'Great' in 'Great Britain' we must not take the 'easy' option every time.
We should make the right 'Moral' decision and reward achievement.
We all have to pay the same for property, fuel, VAT, Energy, Food etc.
May be I have got it wrong and the new minimum wage rates relate to Zimbabwe or Congo. :P

[Rabb]

Don't we have the biggest rich/poor difference since WWII at the moment?

Absolutely true.

And anyone who thinks that reducing top rates of tax for the highest earners will stimulate new business is sadly deluded.
In such dificult times everyone is holding onto their cash including the highest earners.
The only people who are able to take advantage of lower property and share prices are those in the top ten percent of the country who wouldn't miss a few hundred thou!

[FJ_Biker]

For people on the minimum wage the resection will never end

Nooj that's correct the wage gap is among the bigest in the world. There are direct correlations between country happiness and the gap between the rich and the poor.

[Dabz]

Geez there's no pleasing you lot is there? Poor government can't win, whatever they do it gets moaned about

[R1chie]

Some people aren't happy unless they're moaning about something (irony huh)

[FJ_Biker]

I would look at it as caring about what goes on.

[redken1]

I would look at it as caring about what goes on.

Could not agree a more - if wishing to change the UK in to a fairer and more caring society is moaning then I'm Victor Mildrew

[Crosbie]

Personally, I have never seen the point (in terms of fair wealth distribution) of a minimum wage if it is not fixed relative to the economy, and wage increases based on percentage rates. An employee on a £100,000 annual salary awarded a 2.5% rise will receive not 15p but, £1.20 per hour more. Is it any wonder that year on year the gap between the rich and poor widens?

We all have to pay the same for property, fuel, VAT, Energy, Food etc.
May be I have got it wrong and the new minimum wage rates relate to Zimbabwe or Congo. :P

I had the arguement regarding percentage rates with my boss last year when 10% pay cuts were introduced across the board - I got fobbed off with 'Its difficult for every one'. Ummmm not when you and others in the office are still earning 20K+ more than me. :-?