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National minimum wage

This article summarizes your legal right to earn the National Minimum Wage (NMW), - hourly rates set by the government each year.

 

The National Minimum Wage laws apply to nearly all workers regardless of the type of work they do or the size or type of company they work for. You don't have to be working full time, or on employers' premises. It does not matter whether you are paid weekly or monthly, by cheque, cash or in any other way.

 

You can get the NMW if you are:

  • employed by an agency
  • a home worker
  • a part time or piece worker
  • a casual worker or a worker on a short term contract
  • a migrant worker

Note that you are not necessarily entitled to the NMW if you are:

  • a worker under the school leaving age
  • genuinely self-employed
  • in some types of apprenticeships (see below)
  • an au pair
  • in the armed services
  • a voluntary worker.

Agricultural workers have separate pay rates, set by the Agricultural Wages Board.

 

The Low Pay Commission, an independent advisory body, monitors the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and advises the government on rates.

 

NMW rates

 

The National Minimum Wage was introduced in 1999 and has been increased each year since.

 

The rates from 1 October 2011 are:

  • main (adult) rate for workers aged 21 and over: £6.08 an hour (£5.93 in 2010/11) 
  • development rate for workers aged 18-20 inclusive: £4.98 an hour (£4.92 in 2010/11)  
  • development rate for workers aged 16-17 inclusive: £3.68 an hour (£3.64 in 2010/11)
  • The minimum pay rate for apprentices, including Modern Apprentices, is £95 a week, or £2.60 an hour (£2.50 in 2010/11).

This rate applies to:

  • apprentices under 19
  • apprentices aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. 

To find out how the National Minimum Wage applies to you, see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm

 

You could also contact:

 

The National Minimum Wage Enquiries Helpline:

Tel: 0845 6000 678  Minicom: 0845 915 3296

(Mon-Fri 9am-5pm - if you think you are being underpaid and wish to complain.

 

The Low Pay Commission

Web : http://www.lowpay.gov.uk