I assume the Deputy is referring to the minimum wage provisions which are set out in employment regulation orders and registered employment agreements. Employment regulation orders are drawn up by joint labour committees which are bodies representative of employers and workers in certain employment sectors. The orders set out statutory rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in those sectors of employment. Registered employment agreements are collective agreements registered with the Labour Court, concerning the pay or conditions of employment of a particular class, type or group of workers. When registered, the provisions of the agreement become legally binding.
There are currently 16 joint labour committees in operation. About 150,000 workers are covered by joint labour committees and registered employment agreements. While the legislation does allow me as Minister to apply to the Labour Court for establishment of new JLCs, the long-standing practice has been that such applications are normally initiated by workers or their representatives and this practice should continue. The Labour Court has the role of finally determining whether a new JLC should be established for any particular sector and also for registering new employment agreements.
Employment regulation orders and registered employment agreements (REAs) are enforced by the labour inspectorate of my Department. Routine inspections are undertaken to ensure that employers are complying with the terms of the EROs and REAs. In addition, inspectors pursue reported breaches of the orders and agreements. Last year nearly 5,000 inspections were carried out and £250,000 in arrears was collected on behalf of workers. I am satisfied with the current operation of the labour inspectorate and the level of enforcement activity carried out.