National Minimum Wage
National Minimum Wage 2008 - 2009The UK national minimum wage is aimed at providing employees with decent minimum living standards. It is illegal for an employer to pay less than the minimum wage. Children and young workers aged 16 and 17 are now covered by the minimum wage. The hourly rates shown below are the minimum amount of pay that workers aged 16 years or older are entitled to.
There are currently three levels of minimum wage:
Adults already on the minimum wage will receive the following rates:
|
Date |
Age |
Minimum Rate Per Hour |
| From 1st October 2007 | 16 - 17 years old | £3.40 |
| From 1st October 2007 | 18 - 21 years old | £4.60 |
| From 1st October 2007 | Over 21 | £5.52 |
| From 1st October 2008 | 16 - 17 years old | £3.53 |
| From 1st October 2008 | 18 - 21 years old | £4.77 |
| From 1st October 2008 | Over 21 | £5.73 |
The increase follows the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission. The minimum wage was introduced in April 1999.
Employees Rights
Please note that employees over 22 on accredited training can also
receive the development rate for the first six months of employment.
The development rate, which applies to workers aged 18-21 inclusive, is £4.60 per hour starting a new job with a new employer and doing an accredited training course approved by the UK Government to obtain a vocational qualification.
It is illegal for an employer to pay less than the minimum wage.
The six potential criminal offences under section 31 of the NMW Act are:- Employer refuses or wilfully neglects to pay NMW
- Person fails to keep or preserve records
- Person knowingly causes or allows false entry in records
- Person produces or furnishes false records or information
- Person delays or obstructs compliance officer
- Person refuses or neglects to answer any questions or produce documents for compliance officer
Each criminal offence carries a maximum £5,000 fine and a criminal record.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage/
Minimum wage helpline - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/help.htm
Low Pay Commission - http://www.lowpay.gov.uk/
This page was last updated
21/04/2008
