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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) - £3.57 (as long as the employee has completed year 11 at school. In England and Wales 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)
Young people who are studying full time at school or college after year 11 can apply for up to £30 a week through Education Maintenance Allowances.
18-21 year olds (development rate) - £4.83
22 onwards - £5.80
Are there any exceptions to the minimum wage?
The minimum rate does not apply to apprenticeships as these are specific training programmes which give apprentices the skills and qualifications they need for a specific job. However from 1 August 2009, under Learning and Skills Council rules, you should receive £95 a week and many employers already pay young apprentices above the current minimum rate.
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
- National Minimum Wage Help line – 0845 6000 678
- Connexions Direct – 080 800 13 2 19
- National Apprenticeship Help line - 08000 150 600
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.
Online tools
Minimum Wage Calculator
Work out how much you should be getting paid.
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