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What is the National Minimum Wage?
The government set the level of the National Minimum Wage each year based on recommendations received from the independent Low Pay Commission. Employees have a legal right to a minimum level of pay per hour. This is regardless of the type of work or size of the company.
How much is the minimum wage?
The National Minimum Wage is reviewed every year based on the cost of living and any increases take place in October.
16-17 year olds (youth rate) - £3.64 as long as the employee has completed year 11 at school. In England a person is no longer of compulsory school age after the last Friday of June of the school year in which their 16th birthday occurs. (£3.68 from October 2011)
18-20 year olds (development rate) - £4.92 (£4.98 from October 2011)
21 onwards - £5.93 (£6.08 from October 2011)
Apprentices – If you are under 19 or aged 19 and over but in the first year of an apprenticeship there is minimum wage rate of £2.50 (£2.60 from October 2011)
Are there any exceptions to the minimum wage?
The minimum wage does not apply to:
- a worker under school leaving age
- someone who is self-employed
- a person in the armed services
- voluntary work
- an au pair.
Help lines
- Pay and Work Rights Help line – 0800 917 2368
- Connexions Direct – 080 800 13 2 19
- National Apprenticeship Help line - 02476 826482
Useful websites
HM Revenue and Customs
Provides targeted financial support to families and individuals – Includes information on how to make a complaint about an employer not paying the minimum wage in their article on the National Minimum Wage.
Directgov
Website of the UK government for its citizens, providing information and online services for the public all in one place - Includes information on the National Minimum Wage.
Low Pay Commission
Information and advice about the minimum wage and how it affects you.
Student Tax Advice
This site was created to help answer students frequently asked questions about taxation and the minimum wage.
Online tools
Minimum Wage Calculator
Work out how much you should be getting paid.
Last updated: 11/04/11
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