BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

The Citizens Advice Bureau, which operates the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Helpline in Northern Ireland, has warned casual workers who are taken on over the Christmas period that they might not be awarded the correct rates of pay.

Diane Wilson, the Project Manager for Helpline in Citizens Advice stated: "With Christmas approaching, many retail and hospitality outlets employ extra staff to help cope with the traditional rush of shoppers and the increased demand in the bars and restaurants.

"This is good news for those wishing to earn a few extra pounds; however, the message from Citizens Advice is to make sure you are being treated fairly by your employer".

CASUAL WORKERS

She suggested that casual workers were particularly vulnerable in the workplace and might be open to exploitation by employers.

However, they did have statutory rights and being paid the Minimum Wage was one of them.

Ms Wilson went on: "Casual workers are often not aware of their right to the Minimum Wage, and this can leave them open to exploitation by some employers, with many believing that because they are only employed for a short period of time, they have no right to the Minimum Wage.

RATE OF PAY

"It is important for casual workers to check that the rate of pay on offer is the legal rate. If anyone is in any doubt, they should contact the Helpline for confidential advice."

All employers are legally obliged to pay their workers the national Minimum Wage.

Workers not receiving the National Minimum Wage have the right to be reimbursed any outstanding pay owing to them and their hourly rate of pay adjusted to the correct rate immediately.

In the year 2006/07, the National Minimum Wage Helpline (0845 6500207) referred 126 complaints to the HMRC compliance teams who found around 67 per cent of those employers to be non-compliant.

This resulted in arrears being identified for 299 workers in Northern Ireland who had been underpaid.

After the October 2007 increases, the National Minimum Wage currently stands at £5.52 per hour for those aged over 22; £4.60 per hour for those aged 18-21 and £3.40 per hour for 16 & 17 year olds who are of school leaving age.

Citizens Advice would urge anyone who is unsure of their situation to contact the Helpline 0845 6500 207 and get clarification of their entitlement.

PROBLEM

If there is a potential problem the caller will receive confidential advice about how to ensure that their employer implements the correct rate of pay and how to go about recouping any arrears that may be due to them.

Remember: it is against the law for an employer to not pay workers the National Minimum Wage.