Changes to National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) requires that employers pay workers a minimum hourly rate of pay. Since October 2004, this has covered most workers over the age of 16. The self-employed, specified vocations and certain other circumstances are excluded. Employers cannot opt out of the legislation.
The minimum wage rate is set by the Government and is subject to periodical variation. The rates are generally updated from 1 October each year. The following National Minimum Wage rates will apply from 1 October 2015.
- The adult rate will increase from £6.50 to £6.70 per hour.
- The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase from £5.13 to £5.30 per hour.
- The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase from £3.79 to £3.87 per hour.
- The apprentice rate will increase from £2.73 to £3.30 per hour.
The accommodation offset will increase from £5.08 to £5.35 per day.