National Minimum Wage to increase from 1 October 2011

The recruitment industry along with the rules, regulations and working practices that govern it is constantly moving forward and evolving, so we would like to take this opportunity to use this email to support our clients and fellow local businesses to advise you of any legislation that may affect your recruitment plans to ensure that you are always kept completely up to date.

There are different levels of National Minimum Wage (NMW), depending on somebody's age and whether or not they are an apprentice.

The current rates are:
£5.93 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
£4.92 - the 18-20 rate
£3.64 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
£2.50 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

The age at which somebody becomes entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1 October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.

If somebody is of compulsory school age they are not entitled to the NMW. Some of their other employment rights are also different.

Rates from 1 October 2011

The NMW rates are reviewed each year by the Low Pay Commission and from 1 October 2011:

the main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08
the 18-20 rate will increase to £4.98
the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 will increase to £3.68
the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship will increase to £2.60

If you have any queries or we can be of any assistance to you please give us a call or send us an email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it