PRESS DIGEST - Financial Times - Aug 8

CALL FOR MINIMUM WAGE FOR TRAINEES

The Trades Union Congress has called the Government to introduce a new minimum wage for apprentices, in a move that is expected to face resistance by business leaders. It has called for an overhaul of the existing rules in a submission to the Low Pay Commission, saying that it was unfair that 70 percent of trainees were not covered by the minimum wage. Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary said: "Apprentices need to complete their training if it is to fully benefit themselves or their employer, so increasing completion rates is absolutely vital to the success of apprenticeships." The CBI's employers' body said a full salary should not necessarily be given to trainees as they are often receiving education "over the shoulder" of professionals.

INDUSTRY WARNS OVER LIFTING STAMP DUTY