Non-compliance with
the National Minimum Wage in Newham
This report looks at how earning
below the National Minimum Wage impacts on people working or living
in Newham. Between September and October 2011, Ipsos Mori and
Community Links interviewed 30 such people of different ages and
sectors of work.
Non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage in Newham - a
research report for the London Borough of Newham (pdf)
Background to the report
The introduction of the National Minimum Wage has greatly benefited
the very lowest paid across the country and protected many
vulnerable workers from the worst excesses of exploitation.
However, pay abuses still continue and too many people still do not
receive the National Minimum Wage, to which they are legally
entitled. In this day and age it is completely unacceptable that a
person can receive a wage as little as £3 an hour.
This issue sadly affects areas like Newham, which have a dense and
changeable population, with a disproportionate number of small to
medium sized businesses.
Many of our local businesses offer good quality and sustainable
employment but the purpose of this report is to highlight the
evidence we have gathered, which shows the impact of businesses not
paying the minimum wage.
This report importantly illustrates experiences and the
vulnerability felt by people working below the National Minimum
Wage and the damage that is done by businesses that refuse to
adhere to fair pay.