What Is The National Minimum Wage?

The national minimum wage is the least your employer can pay you, per hour, for the work you do for them. The UK minimum wage changes every October and you need to make sure that your earnings keep up. Here’s how much you should be paid now.

At the start of October 2012 the UK national minimum wage rate increased in line with inflation.

This means you need to make sure your earnings are adjusted in line with the new 2012/13 minimum wage rates if your pay is tied to that figure.

Here’s what your employer needs to pay you for an hour’s work now:

How much is the national minimum wage?

The minimum amount you should be paid will depend on your age and employment status.

Here are the current UK minimum wage rates:

• Aged 21 or over: £6.19 per hour

• Aged 18-20: £4.98 per hour
• Aged 16-17: £3.68 per hour
• Apprentices under 19 or aged 19 or over in their first year: £2.65 per hour

Who is entitled to the minimum wage?

If you are employed in the UK then it’s highly likely that you will be entitled to the minimum wage.

It makes no difference how many hours you work, how you’re paid, if you work at home or in an office or how many people work for the company that pays you.

Regardless of all these factors you are entitled to receive the UK minimum wage.

Who isn’t entitled to the National Minimum Wage?

In very specific circumstances you may not be entitled to receive the minimum wage.

This could be the case if:

• You’re self employed
• You work as a volunteer
• You’re classed as a voluntary worker
• You’re a company director
• You’re working in a government-approved pre-apprentice level scheme
• You’re working for a EC community programme
• You’re living in your employer’s home
• You’re a member of the armed forces
• You’re in prison

If you are still unsure if you are excluded from the minimum wage you can find more information on the GOV.uk website.

What should you do if you’re not being paid enough?

The minimum wage is a legal requirement so you’re well within your rights to speak to your employer if you’re being underpaid. This can sometimes feel awkward, but it’s a must if you’re not earning enough as they have no choice in the matter.

If you have no luck speaking to your employer, you should get in touch with the Pay and Work Rights Helpline - they can offer further help and if you wish lodge an official complaint on your behalf. Alternatively, you can submit an online enquiry on the GOV.uk website.

What will the next changes to the minimum wage be?

National minimum wage rates apply from October to September, meaning the next change is scheduled for 1st October, 2013.

The 2013/14 minimum wage rates are set to rise (albeit behind inflation) as follows:

• Aged 21 or over: to £6.31 per hour
• Aged 18-20: to £5.03 per hour
• Aged 16-17: £3.68 per hour no change announced
• Apprentices under 19 or aged 19 or over in their first year: to £2.68 per hour