What is the National Minimum Wage?
With a few exceptions, all workers in the UK aged 16 or over are legally entitled to be paid a minimum amount per hour. This is regardless of the kind of work they do or the size and type of company. The rate is reviewed every year, and any increases take place in October.
How much is the National Minimum Wage?
There are different levels of National Minimum Wage, depending on the age of the worker.
National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2009
Workers aged 22 and over: £5.80 per hour
Workers aged 18-21: £4.83 per hour
Workers aged 16-17: £3.57 per hour
What should an Apprentice be paid?
Apprentices under the age of 19 are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
Age Wage Rate
16 A minimum of £95 per week
17 A minimum of £95 per week
18 A minimum of £95 per week
19+ National minimum wage as above, BUT please note Apprentices who are 19 or over and in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/
TheNationalMinimumWage