Thousands of apprentices earn less than the National Minimum Wage

Thousands of apprentices in Scotland are being paid less than the National Minimum Wage.

A total of 14 per cent of apprentices across the country get less than £5.55 per hour – while 2.2 percent are earning less than £2.67 per hour.

Low pay is particularly endemic in certain professions, with 42 per cent of hairdressing apprentices earning less than the minimum wage.

We have called on the SNP government to not certify Modern Apprenticeships through Skills Development Scotland if they are found to be paying less than the National Minimum Wage.

The National Union of Students Scotland has also raised concerns about the issue.

The call is part of our summer campaign, For The Many, which this week is focusing on improving the lives of the next generation of Scots.