The National Minimum Wage is a legal right,
which covers almost all workers in the UK. It is aimed at providing
employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace.
The current rates per hour are:
£5.93 - the main rate for workers 21 and over.
£4.92 - the 18-20 rate.
£3.64 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18.
£2.50 - the apprentice rate for apprentices under 19 or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Exemptions
The age at which you become entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1st October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.
