From 1 October 2013 the National Minimum Wage is increasing. The new rates are as follows:
workers aged 21 and over – £6.31 per hour;
workers aged 18 – 20 inclusive – £5.03 per hour;
workers aged 16 and 17 – £3.72 per hour.
apprentices – £2.68 per hour*.
*This rate is for apprentices under 19 or those in their first year. If you’re 19 or over and past your first year you get the rate that applies to your age.
The following are exempt from the National Minimum Wage regulations:
– The genuinely self employed;
– Genuine volunteers;
– Students doing work as part of their undergraduate or post-graduate course;
– Certain training schemes.
As business advisors we would always recommend you ensure your payroll department or external provider update the records accordingly, as underpaying employees would lay the company open to legal action.
