Minimum wage

A. Yes, as of 1 October the national minimum wage increased. The main rate (for workers aged 21 and over) is now £6.08 an hour.

Workers aged between 18 and 20 are entitled to a minimum of £4.98 an hour — with 16- to 17-year-olds receiving just £3.68 an hour.

However, bear in mind that apprentices under 19, or 19 and over who are in their first year of apprenticeship, are only entitled to £2.60 an hour.

The only way that sums can be offset against the national minimum wage is where the employer provides workers’ accommodation.

Therefore, irrespective of the employer imposing a pay freeze, individuals will be entitled to a pay rise to bring them up to at least the levels described above.