A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the increased National Minimum Wage has reached thousands of Hackney residents.

A roadshow at Ridley Road Market last month attracted 3,000 people, while Hackney’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Karen Alcock, as well as Cllrs Guy Nicholson and Linda Smith attended to support the campaign.

Cllr Alcock said: “I am pleased that so many Hackney residents found out about the National Minimum Wage at the roadshow. It is a national standard of employment rights, and staff and employers should find out more about the new, increased rates if they haven’t already done so.”

Posters and flyers with information on the National Minimum Wage are available at leisure centres, libraries, police stations and Council reception areas. They are also on display outdoors in parks and the Town Hall Square.The poster campaign is being run jointly by the Council and Team Hackney, the local strategic partnership.

The National Minimum Wage is £5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 and over, £4.77 for 18-21 year olds, and £3.53 for those aged 16 and 17.

Anyone who is not being paid the national minimum can report their employer confidentially at the National Minimum Wage helpline: 0845 6000 678 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). For more info visit: www.direct.gov.uk/nmw