National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall. The rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission.
The minimum wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. There are different minimum wage rates for different groups of workers.
From 1 October 2008 the National Minimum Wage will increase again as follows:
- The main rate for workers aged 22 and over will increase to £5.73 (previously set at £5.52 an hour).
- The development rate for 18-21 year olds is now set at to £4.77 (previously £4.60 an hour).
- The development rate for 16-17 years olds is £3.53 (previously £3.40).