Introduction »

National Minimum Wage rates to rise again

The government has announced the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates that will apply from 1 October 2010. In addition to the rate increases detailed below there are two further related changes. The first change expands the age range for the main rate, from workers aged 22 and over to workers aged 21 and over.

The second change concerns the introduction of a minimum wage for certain apprentices. It will apply to apprentices under 19 years old and those apprentices aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.

From 1 October 2010, such apprentices will be entitled to a minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. All other apprentices are entitled to the NMW rate appropriate for their age.

The new rates are as follows:

• £5.93 for workers aged 21 and over (currently £5.80 for workers aged 22 and over)
• £4.92 for workers aged 18 - 20 (currently £4.83 for workers aged 18-21)
• £3.64 for workers (excluding apprentices) aged 16 and 17 (currently £3.57).

Introduction »