Minimum wage increased

Increased National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates came into force on 1 October.

The normal NMW rate (applicable to workers aged 21 and over) is now £5.93 per hour, while the development rate (for workers aged between 18 and 20) has increased to £4.92. Workers aged between 16 and 18 (who are not apprentices) must receive no less than £3.64, and there is also a new rate for first year apprentices (see page 7).

Where accommodation is provided to workers, the maximum amount that an employer can deduct from the minimum wages earned is £4.61 a day (£32.27 a week).