Union calls for minimum pay watchdog

THE country’s largest trade union has called on the Government to ensure greater enforcement of the National Minimum Wage, which increased to E7 per hour at the weekend.

SIPTU's national equality secretary, Rosheen Callender, criticised the fact that there are only 17 inspectors attached to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for covering the whole country to ensure employers comply with minimum wage legislation.

"It's all very well for the Tánaiste to boast that she introduced the National Minimum Wage and is now increasing it to E7 an hour. But even the best laws in Europe are useless if they are not enforced," said Ms Callender yesterday.