Corporate Services Cabinet Member – minutes – 13 August 2009

293 (23) PAYMENT OF APPRENTICES – The Service Director Human Resources submitted an urgent report seeking approval to increase the rate of pay for apprentices who had completed the first year of their apprenticeship, but who were not entitled to the minimum wage.

The matter was urgent due to the need to implement the changes with effect from 1 August 2009.

Apprentices at the council were currently paid £80.00 per week in the first year of the apprenticeship. Subject to satisfactory progress with their qualification, this was increased to £100.00 per week in subsequent years, unless they were eligible to receive the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Apprentices were entitled to the NMW when they were aged between 19 or over and had completed the first year of their apprenticeship. The rate of £80.00 per week was set nationally by the Learning Skills Council (LSC). From August 2009 the minimum weekly earnings for all apprentices in England were scheduled to increase from £80.00 to £95.00.

The rate of £100.00 per week, currently payable in subsequent years, was locally determined by the council. It was proposed to increase this rate of pay to £120.00 per week for those apprentices who had completed the first year of their apprenticeship, but who were not entitled to the NMW.

Resolved – (a) That the increase to the LSC’s minimum rate of pay for apprentices, with effect from 1 August 2009, be observed and implemented, and (b) that the minimum weekly rate of pay for apprentices who had completed the first year of their apprenticeship, but who were not entitled to the National Minimum Wage, be increased to £120.00.