Release date: Nov 2008

The rules governing minimum wages changed with effect from 1st October 2008. Workers in the UK who are over 16 years of age are legally entitled to receive a minimum hourly rate regardless of the kind of work they do or the size or type of the company they work for.

There are exceptions and these include those who are on an apprenticeship scheme.

Apprentices under the age of 19 years or those who are 19 years of age and over and are in their first 12 months of apprenticeship are not entitled to the minimum wage.

Some other workers who cannot receive the national minimum wage are:

• Those under school leaving age
• The self-employed
• Members of the armed services
• Au pairs

To receive the national minimum wage an employee does not have to be in full time employment or work in the employer's place of employment. For example the employee can:

• Be employed part time
• Work from home
• Employed on a short-term contract

These are just a few examples. The minimum wage is reviewed annually in October.

The rates from the 01st October 2008 are:

• Full rate (payable at aged 22 years or over) - £5.73
• Development rate (payable between 18-21 years) - £4.77
• Young people rate (older than school leaving age and under 18 years) - £3.53

If you have any queries regarding the National Minimum Wage, please contact Chris Wiper on 01325 466461 or chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk.

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