The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Inland Revenue have launched a new video "All Work, Low Pay" which is a short drama to help people from ethnic minority backgrounds understand their entitlement to the National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage was introduced on 1 April 1999. The current rates are £4.50 per hour for workers aged 22 and over and £3.80 an hour for workers aged between 18 and 21.

The video, which is narrated in Hindi by Nina Wadia of "Goodness Gracious Me" fame, clearly explains how workers can obtain advice and assistance if they think they are not receiving the minimum wage. Nina is joined by other well known actors as the drama unfolds into a typical domestic scene with which many families will identify. The story follows the life of the central character, Seema, as she struggles to juggle running her home and looking after her family whilst working long hours sewing garments together in her living room.

MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Khalid Mahmood Esq. said: "I welcome the "All Work, Low Pay" video. It is vital that workers know about their right to receive the National Minimum Wage and what they can do if they are not receiving it. I believe that the video will raise awareness and take-up of the minimum wage amongst Asian communities. I commend the Department of Trade and Industry, the Inland Revenue and the West Midlands Employment and Low Pay Unit for this excellent initiative. I urge individuals and community groups to obtain copies of the video and to view it."

The video is one part of a strategy to tackle the problem that some workers, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, may not be aware of their rights or may be reluctant to come forward and complain.

Robert Bullard, Director of the Employment and Low Pay Unit welcomed the video: "We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the Inland Revenue. The project has been very successful and we hope that on seeing the video more people will be encouraged to come to us, on a confidential basis, to enquire about their national minimum wage entitlements"

The West Midlands Employment and Low Pay Unit has been working with the Inland Revenue since April 2001. The partnership aims to raise awareness of National Minimum Wage issues in the West Midlands, particularly amongst target ethnic minority groups.

Individuals, community organisations and groups can obtain copies of the video, free of charge, by contacting Ayesha Choudhury on 0121 523 7547/7647 or at EDAS, 154 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. B21 9LN.

The National Minimum Wage Helpline is 0845 600 0678. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Calls are charged at the local rate.