The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a legal right that sets the minimum hourly rate of pay. It is illegal for employers to pay you less than the minimum wage.

The NMW varies depending on the type of work and the age of the worker.

New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2008
Workers aged 22 and over - £5.73 per hour
Workers aged 18-21 - £4.77 per hour
Workers aged 16-17 - £3.53 per hour

For workers who receive accommodation from their employer, the rate of the accommodation offset is £4.46 per day (£31.22 per week)

Workers aged 22 or over on accredited training may receive the development rate for the first 6 months of employment.

Apprentices under aged 19 are not entitled to the NMW and apprentices over 19 are exempt in their first year.

For more detailed information on the national minimum wage go to:
BERR Website - Minimum Wage

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