What working people in High Peak want to know is that we are making sure that all who can do benefit from these improved standards. Having these rights without enforcing them is pointless.

Ten years ago some people strongly opposed the minimum wage. Sceptics said it would cost the country 2 million jobs. The reality is totally different: 3 million jobs have actually been created since then. Nearly one million low paid employees, two thirds of them women, have benefited from the National Minimum Wage. Contrast this with the time when 3 million people were unemployed…

The National Minimum Wage itself is not enough. We shall be coming down hard on those employers who avoid their obligations. There are tougher penalties against rogue employers in the Employment Bill, which is now before Parliament. I will be supporting this Bill.

Here in High Peak the tourism industry is notorious for paying relatively low wages, so the benefits of this legislation will help many. The best employers do not pay the minimum wage as the 'going rate' but pay above that level.

Whilst my political opponents opposed the minimum wage and still criticise it, our Government is taking steps to strengthen it. This includes ensuring that working people know their rights and employers know their responsibilities.

I try not to put too many statistics in my articles. But it is worth remembering that behind every statistic is a life changed by having the opportunity to work and get on financially.