Another date for your diary: From 1st October 2012:
- Workers aged 21 and over will now receive a minimum rate of £6.19 per hour.
- Apprentices under the age of 19 and those over 19 who are in the first year of their apprenticeship will get £2.65 an hour.
- The rates for 18-20 year olds and 16-17 year olds remain unchanged a £4.98 per hour and £3.68 respectively.
Entitlement to the National Minimum Wage Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid at least the NMW and all employers have to pay it to you if you are entitled to it. It makes no difference:
- if you are paid weekly or monthly, by cheque, in cash or in another way
- if you work full time, part time or any other working pattern
- if you work at your employer’s own premises or elsewhere
- what size your employer is
- where you work in the UK
You are entitled to the NMW even if you sign a contract agreeing to be paid at a lower rate. This is regardless of whether you sign of your own free will or because your employer persuades or makes you. The contract will have no legal effect and you must still be paid the proper rate.