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Hairdressing chain Peter Mark has abolished a \u20ac2,000 ‘training fee’ for young apprentices.<\/p>\nHairdressing chain Peter Mark has abolished a \u20ac2,000 ‘training fee’ for young apprentices.<\/p>\n
The practice had been implemented following the introduction of the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018.<\/p>\n
Under this legislation, age-based minimum pay rates for young employees had been introduced, meaning the much lower trainee rates were abolished.<\/p>\n
Trade union Unite, which represents workers in the hairdressing sector, welcomed the decision.<\/p>\n
Peter Mark confirmed yesterday that the training fee would no longer be levied on workers, and that those employees would be paid the proper rate backdated to March 4 when the new legislation came into force.<\/p>\n
Unite Senior Officer Brendan Ogle said they been providing workers with advice and support since they approached the union with concerns last month.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past two weeks, we have highlighted Peter Mark\u2019s attempt to subvert the benefits of the new legislation by imposing a new \u2018training fee\u2019 on workers,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We alerted Minister Regina Doherty to the situation, and the workers\u2019 plight was raised in the D\u00e1il by Deputy Joan Collins.<\/p>\n
\u201cYesterday the company bowed to pressure, abolished the new fee and confirmed to workers that they will apply the proper payment rate backdated to March 4 when the new legislation took effect.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the eve of Unite\u2019s Irish Policy Conference starting tomorrow, this victory is a reminder of the power of solidarity,” Mr Ogle said.<\/p>\n
Regional Officer Patricia Rogers added: \u201cWhile this news is very welcome, workers should be under no illusion: only by continuing to act collectively can they maintain and improve their terms and conditions going forward.”<\/p>\n
A meeting will take place on Wednesday to ensure application of the steps announced by Peter Mark and to consider any other issues which may arise, Ms Rogers said.<\/p>\n