Minimum Wage

From 1 August the minimum wage for apprentices  rises to £95 pw, but consideration is still being given to applying NMW to those under the age of 19, or older but in the first year of apprenticeship, whose earnings are not currently protected.

Despite calls from business groups, the NMW will increase from October 2009 as follows:

22yrs and over    £5.80

18-21 yrs             £4.83

16 & 17yrs           £3.57

From October 2010 the adult rate will be paid to 21 year old workers.

A Low Pay Commission proposal to publish information on employers who wilfully disregard minimum wage law is being developed.