IYSS

National Minimum Wage

The current National Minimum Wage rates are:

• 16 and 17 year olds - £3.57 per hour (16 and 17 year old Apprentices* are exempt from the young workers rate)
• 18 - 21 year olds - £4.83 per hour (this includes Apprentices who are 19 and have completed the first year of an Apprenticeship)
• Adults - £5.80 per hour

*If you are doing an Apprenticeship with an employer you will get a wage of at least £95 a week, all employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £95 per week.  However, recent research found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.  
 

It is illegal for an employer to dismiss or penalise you because of your entitlement to the National Minimum Wage.

To check on how the National Minimum Wage applies to you call Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. This is also the number to ring if you think you are being underpaid and wish to make a complaint.  All complaints about underpayment of the National Minimum Wage are treated in the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous if they wish to do so. 

Useful websites

http://payandworkrightscampaign.direct.gov.uk/ (Pay & Work Rights/DirectGov)

Helpline 0800 917 2368

 
www.acas.org.uk (ACAS - Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

Helpline 08457 47 47 47 

As of the1st October 2010 the national minimum wage will increase to:

Ages 16-17 will rise from £3.57 to £3.64

Ages 18-20 will rise from £4.83 to £4.92

Ages 21+ will rise from £5.80 to £5.93

*The Government has extended the adult minimum wage rate to 21 years from october 2010. It used to be 22

Apprentice minimum wage will be £2.50 per hour

*will apply to apprentice under 19 and aged 19 and over, but only for the first year of their apprenticeship