Keighley trade unionists have blasted the new minimum wage.

The town's Trades Union Council claims the amount - £3 an hour for those aged 18-21 and £3.60 for the over 22s - is too low. It is campaigning for the figure, which comes into effect today, to be increased to £4.61.

Keighley TUC is taking part in a major demonstration at Newcastle next Saturday, April 10, to press the case.

And - with new working time regulations now also in force - the organisation has launched a 24-hour helpline to provide information and advice.

President Steve Davison says: "The minimum-wage legislation means many local workers should get a pay rise but we are not confident all employers will comply. We are offering the helpline to assist workers with enforcing their rights.

"We are linking this to the new working time regulations which give everyone a right to three weeks' paid holidays this year, and four weeks from November 1999.

"Keighley TUC finds the low level of the minimum wage unacceptable and is continuing to campaign for a more realistic level.

"The Newcastle demonstration will be the first organised by the trade unions since Labour came to power, and it marks the end of the honeymoon period between the unions and the party.

"Trade unionists are disappointed and angry that the government's proposals do so little to address the questions of low pay and job insecurity that is such a prominent feature of British society today."

Keighley TUC has organised transport to the demonstration. The cost is £2 and the bus will pick-up at Airedale Hospital (8am), Keighley bus station (8.15am) and then at Bingley and Bradford.

For further details and to book a seat phone the helpline number on 01535 691264.

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