Stella Creasy: November 2008 Archives

Event With Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development,Thursday 11 December 10.30am-12.30pm

Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow Village

 We all know that there are difficult economic choices facing countries across the world. Some would argue it's at times like these that we should as a nation turn inwards and only look after ourselves. I take a different view. When we see a drought in Australia cause the price of bread to rise here in the UK or  that one in five children die before the age of five in the Democratic Republic of Congo we know we need to work together as a world community to survive these challenges. 

International development is vital to securing a better future not just for those who live in developing nations but for all our sakes. I know from the emails and conversations I've had with many local residents that you too share a concern for the fate of those less fortunate who often bear the brunt of a global economy. In recent months I've had many discussions with you on issues such as climate change, supporting the campaign to Make Poverty History, or raising awareness about the needs of people in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Darfur and Burma. So as an activist here in Walthamstow I know how many of us care passionately about the injustices that still damage the lives of too many people in our world.

That's why I've organised a special public coffee morning on Thursday 11 December at Vestry House Museum from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Douglas Alexander MP, the International Development Secretary, will be joining us to talk with local residents about what we can all do to end world poverty and fight injustice along with our local MP Neil Gerrard, Amnesty International, local faith communities and international development campaigners.

The event will be informal and free - with refreshments kindly provided by the Waltham Forest Fairtrade Campaign Group - so you can drop in anytime for a coffee and have your say. This is your opportunity not only to discuss directly with the Cabinet minister responsible for international development but also to look at what we can do in our everyday lives to help - whether through buying Fairtrade goods, sponsoring development charities or supporting the campaigning work of Amnesty International or ACTSA. Children will also be very welcome and catered for in activities!

If you would like to have a stall to publicise your local campaign group please do get in touch. I hope many of you will join me for what should be an inspiring and engaging morning.

Currently, where customers give tips and gratuities directly to workers, they cannot count towards the minimum wage payment. However, where the employer pays cover charges, service charges, tips and/or gratuities to the worker via the payroll then the tip can count towards national minimum wage pay. At present, this anomaly is abused by some employers to avoid paying their staff a decent wage. This is also an abuse of the good nature of customers who want to express their thanks for good service. This week Labour launched a consultation on proposals to end this and change the regulations so that in future tips, whether paid in cash or credit card, may not count towards the minimum wage. At present the minimum wage for adult workers is £5.73, for 18-21 year olds it is £4.77 and for 16 and 17 year olds it is £3.53.  

The consultation on introducing this proposal will close in February 2009. In the meantime, if you want to make sure staff get your tips pay them direct in cash and if you think a rogue employer is not paying up then call the anonymous national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678. The minimum wage was opposed by the Tories when it was introduced so I know these proposals will not be supported by some - let me know what you think and whether you agree or disagree with this idea.