Government announces new commissioner to the Low Pay Commission
Kay replaces Frances O’Grady, who stepped down on 15 October following her election as the next TUC General Secretary. The appointment is…
Kay replaces Frances O’Grady, who stepped down on 15 October following her election as the next TUC General Secretary.
The appointment is for just over three years, with the option of reappointment.
Business Minister Jo Swinson said:
“The National Minimum Wage has been a huge success since it was introduced, making millions of workers better off.
“The Low Pay Commission gives the Government the expert and impartial advice that is essential to this ongoing success. Kay brings a great deal of expertise and experience to the role and I am delighted she is joining the Commission.”
**Notes to Editors
**1. Kay Carberry, Assistant General Secretary to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is a senior trade unionist with 24 years’ leadership and management experience in the TUC. She is a commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (until December 2012), a Trustee of the People’s History Museum and Governor of Pensions Policy Institute. She has extensive experience of participating in ministerial advisory groups/committees on employment matters, and was also a member of the Equal Opportunities and Women and Work Commissions. In 2007, Kay received a CBE for services to employment relations.
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The appointment to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) will take effect from 1 November 2012 and will end on 31 March 2016, with the possibility of reappointment. The appointment requires a commitment of, on average, 18 days per year. Remuneration is on the basis of a daily rate of £242.12.
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All appointments LPC are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Kay Carberry has declared no such political activity.
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This appointment was made following an open selection process conducted in accordance with the Code of Practice and other guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
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The LPC is a Non Departmental Public Body responsible for providing advice on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The Commission reports to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State, and consists of a Chair and eight other members. Three of the commissioners have an employee/trade union background (the new appointment will replace a vacancy left by Frances O’Grady), three have an employer background and three are independent / academic labour relations specialists. .
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The LPC monitors, evaluates and reviews the impact of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), with particular reference to the effect on pay, employment and competitiveness in low paying sectors and small firms; the effect on different groups of workers; the effect on pay structures; and the interaction between the minimum wage and the tax and benefit systems. The Commission reviews the level of the NMW adult rate, the development rates, and the Apprentice Rate, and makes recommendations, if appropriate, for change. The Government has asked it to provide its next report by 29 February 2013. For further information on the remit of its next report, see www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120614/wmstext/120614m0001.htm#12061433000102
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The Government’s economic policy objective is to achieve ‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries.’ It set four ambitions in the ‘Plan for Growth’ (PDF 1.7MB), published at Budget 2011:
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To create the most competitive tax system in the G20
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To make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business
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To encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy
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To create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe.
Work is underway across Government to achieve these ambitions, including progress on more than 250 measures as part of the Growth Review. Developing an Industrial Strategy gives new impetus to this work by providing businesses, investors and the public with more clarity about the long-term direction in which the Government wants the economy to travel.
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Notes to Editors
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