Effective from 1 October 2014, the National Minimum Wage Rates (NMW). You are required by law to ensure you pay your workers at least the national minimum wage (NMW). Any changes generally take place in October each year.
16-17 year olds | – £3.79 per hour |
18-20 year olds | – £5.13 per hour |
21 and over | – £6.50 per hour |
Another important change from 1 October 2010 was the introduction of an apprentice rate of NMW.
19 year old & under and those in the first year of their apprenticeship will be entitled to the apprentice rate of £2.68 per hour but after that they will be entitled to the normal rate of minimum wage for their age.
Employees are entitled to the NMW even if they sign a contract agreeing to be paid at a lower rate. The contract will have no legal effect and employees must still be paid the proper rate.