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 National Minimum wage is as follows:
16 and 17 year olds Rising from £3.30 an hour to £3.40 per hour from Oct 2007.
18-21 year olds Rising from £4.45 an hour to £4.60 from Oct 2007.
22+ Rising from £5.35 an hour to £5.52 from Oct 2007.
Exemptions
Young
People studying an Apprenticeship at age 16 and 17 are exempt from the
minimum wage, however they should be paid the 'going rate' for the job
which should be no less than £80 per week. If a young person is aged 18
or over when they start an Apprenticeship they are only exempt for the
first 12 months and then minimum wage will have to be paid.
Government
funded trainees do not count as workers as they are not considered to
be in employed status and are therefore not entitled to the National
Minimum Wage. The Self-employed are also exempt.
For full information you can call the National Minimum Wage Helpline: 0845 6000678.
