The National Minimum Wage (NMW) applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall.
The current rates (October 2011) are:
- Main (adult) rate for workers aged 21 and over £6.08 per hour
- Development rate for workers aged 18-20 inclusive £4.98 per hour
- 16 -17 year olds (above school leaving age) £3.68 per hour
- Apprentices £2.60 - this applies to apprentices who are under 19 years of age, and apprentices who are over 19 but in the first year of their apprenticeship.
The National Minimum Wage does not cover some other groups of workers:
- people who are genuinely self-employed
- volunteers
- members of the armed forces
- people who work and live as part of a family (for example au pairs).
If you are not being paid the NMW call the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.
The Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service offers advice and support about your rights at work. They can also give you information about organisations in your area that could help you further.
The Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service
4th Floor Swan Buildings
20 Swan Street
Manchester M4 5JW
Adviceline 0161 839 3888
The Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away.