Please refer to ‘A detailed guide to the national minimum
wage’ October 2001 edition for further detail (currently
being modified) or refer to the website – National
Minimum Wage
What is it?
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 £3.53 per hour from Oct 2008
- 18 - 21 year olds £4.77 from Oct 2008
- 22+ £5.73 from Oct 2008
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 further help you can call the National Minimum Wage Helpline
no. on 0845 6000678.
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