Stockton Labour MP Alex Cunningham in web wrangle over £3.37-an-hour apprenticeship vacancy

25 Feb 2014 08:45

Minimum wage for apprenticeship is £2.68, but Mr Cunningham has come under criticism because of history of championing youth issues

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North

A Labour MP has defended his decision to advertise a job offering a 37-hour week at £3.37 an hour.

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, advertised the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business Administration through Stockton Riverside College.

Although the minimum wage for an apprenticeship is £2.68, Mr Cunningham has come under criticism because of his history of championing youth issues.

In his Youth Manifesto, Mr Cunningham said: “It is wrong for two people of different ages, who sit alongside each other doing the same job, to receive different wages.”

As controversy spread on-line, Mr Cunningham posted on Twitter saying: “Got a view - if I can’t pay an apprentice the living wage of £7-plus an hour, should I ditch the idea of giving a young person a training chance?”

One follower responded “No you should make savings elsewhere to afford it or do the honourable thing and step down and become a Coalition MP as that’s why people voted for you.”

But Mr Cunningham has denied any inconsistency and has pointed to his belief in apprenticeships.

He said: “I am delighted my Tweet has sparked a national debate on apprentice wages even if it has resulted in a negative response from some people.

“I have spent a large part of my life championing the cause of young people and every time I visit an employer I challenge them to take on apprentices so believe I ought to lead by example.

“I created the 12-month post alongside my team to provide a young person with a genuine opportunity to learn and achieve qualifications through a reputable college – a post that wouldn’t otherwise exist. If it didn’t exist, my current staff team would absorb any tasks undertaken by the young person.

“The apprentice starting wage is 25% above the minimum wage and will be increased to reflect the tasks undertaken by the young person as they develop.

“I only hope that the publicity created about the matter results in more young people applying for the post – but more importantly, highlight the importance of apprenticeships and encourage other employers to recruit young people and give them a chance to succeed.”