Reading West MP Martin Salter yesterday attended a celebration in the House of Commons to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the tenth anniversary of the minimum wage. 

The minimum wage was one of the first measures introduced by the Labour Government after its election in 1997 and came into force two years later. It both guaranteed a baseline income for most workers and lifted thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable out of poverty.

Mr Salter, along with Reading East Labour candidate Anneliese Dodds, attended the tenth birthday party organised by UNISON which highlighted the huge impact that the minimum wage has had on society. Speaking afterwards, Mr Salter said:-

“In my twelve in Parliament, I can honestly say that the minimum wage was one of Labour’s finest achievements. In the face of scare-mongering by Conservatives, the City, and unscrupulous employers, the Government held firm and the real impact that it has made on people’s lives is evident.”

He added:-

“The minimum wage has affected 1.5 million jobs in the UK, making them better paid.  The Tories sought to block it at every step of the way with Michael Portillo describing the minimum wage as a “truly immoral policy” and David Cameron complaining about the “burden” it would place on businesses. Labour has raised the level of the minimum wage every year, so it now stands at £5.73 per hour.”

Reading East Labour Party spokesman, Anneliese Dodds said:-

“The national minimum wage has lifted hundreds of Reading people, and their families, out of the poverty caused by being paid a pittance. We mustn’t be complacent thought - the Tories argued against the minimum wage, and there is no guarantee that they wouldn’t scrap it if they ever got back into power.”