Die Einführung des britischen Mindestlohns.

This article discusses the origins, operation and consequences of the introduction of a national minimum wage in Britain, making links to the current discussion in Germany. The minimum wage mainly affects non-union women and ethnic minorities. The law introducing the minimum wage was surrounded by extensive public discussion of its likely effects on employment, but this is no longer regarded as problematic. There have been none of the negative employment effects predicted by classical economics. However, some economists have also argued that the impact on the position of the low paid have also been minimal. This argument is critically examined in the light of recent data and found to be too narrow. While problems exist with publicising the minimum wage and with enforcement mechanisms, it is shown that the minimum wage has had wider effects than the 'minimum impact' argument suggests.