The National Minimum Wage
The latest change in the National Minimum Wage was on 1st October 2008 (rates below). It should be brought to attention that the minimum wage figure will likely be increased again in October 2009. BizHelp24 will keep you up to date through our newsletter.
“The national minimum wage is an important cornerstone of Government strategy aimed at providing employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace.
It applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall. It helps business by ensuring companies will be able to compete on the basis of quality of the goods and services they provide and not on low prices based predominantly on low rates of pay.
The rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission
The National Minimum Wage is currently set as follows:
1. Workers aged between 18 and 21 inclusive years old: no less than £4.83 per hour
2. Workers aged 22 years old and over: no less than £5.80 per hour
3. Workers aged 22 years old and over who have started a new job with a new employer and do accredited training should be paid no less than £4.60 per hour for the first six months only (After which they move the full rate of pay).
4. The rate for 16 and 17 year olds will mean they should be paid no less than £3.57 per hour, although this excludes apprentices.
Rates are rising from 1st October 2010.
To check on how the National Minimum Wage applies to you (or your staff), use the interactive website direct.gov.uk or telephone the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678.
This is also the number to ring if you think you are being underpaid and wish to make a complaint. You may also email the helpline at the Inland Revenue’s NMW website. All complaints about underpayment of the National Minimum Wage are treated in the strictest confidence.
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