Maximise your Income - Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage is an important cornerstone of Government strategy aimed at providing employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace. It applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall. It helps business by ensuring companies will be able to compete on the basis of quality of the goods and services they provide and not on low prices based predominantly on low rates of pay. The rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission.

Main (adult) rate for workers aged 22 and over £4.50 per hour from 1 October 2003

Development rate for workers aged 18-21 inclusive £3.80 per hour from 1 October 2003

NB: The development rate can also apply to workers aged 22 and above during their first 6 months in a new job with a new employer and who are receiving accredited training.

Changes to the National Minimum Wage

The Government has announced an increase to the National Minimum Wage rates, which will take place in October 2004.

Main (adult) rate for workers aged 22 and over £4.85 per hour from 1 October 2004

Development rate for workers aged 18-21 inclusive £4.10 per hour from 1 October 2004

The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations for a new rate for 16 and 17 year olds (above compulsory school leaving age).

A new rate for 16 and 17 year olds £3.00 per hour from 1 October 2004

NB: 16 and 17 year old apprentices will be exempt from the new young workers rate.

To check you are being paid the correct amount ring the Government help line on 0845 6000 678