Workers at York's Nestl Rowntree factory are to be paid the same rate for the job regardless of age, in a deal worked out with the union GMB.

The move comes after the Government announced plans to introduce a two-tier minimum wage, with different rates for people aged over and under 21.

Union bosses have welcomed the decision by the chocolate company and say it follows similar changes introduced by Bookers Cash and Carry and McVities and Jacobs Biscuits.

A spokeswoman for Nestl said: "We have moved away from age-based pay and we have a wage structure that rewards skills and 'competencies'.

"We have encouraged competencies for a number of years and more recently have just agreed to pay full rates for junior staff aged 16 and 17 years unless they are on a specific training programme."

In the past 16-year-olds were paid 80 per cent of the full rate, and 17-year-olds 90 per cent.

The Government's proposals are for a £3.60 hourly rate for over 21s and £3 for under 21s.

GMB National Secretary Derek Hunter said: "In all negotiations with employers this year the concern has not been to differentiate on the basis of age, but on the basis of ability.

"If workers are old enough to vote for the minimum wage they are certainly old enough to get it.

"The ability to provide a fair day's work for a fair day's pay is the same whether you are 18, 28 or 48. Employers recognise this, and I see no reason for the Government to argue differently."

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