National Minimum Wage (NMW)

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a legal right which covers almost all workers in the UK.

What is the NMW?

The rates are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Comission, the latest review was in October 2006, the current rules are:

• There are two levels of minimum wage, and the rates from 1st October 2007 are:
  • £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
  • A development rate of £4.60 per hour for workers aged 18 - 21 years inclusive

Who is entitled to the NMW?

Most workers in the UK including:

• Agency workers
• Agricultural workers
• Home workers
• Piece rate and comission workers
• Disabled workers
• Seafarers/Offshore workers
• Workers from outside the UK

British workers working temporarily outside the UK

Who is not entitled to the NMW?

Can include:

• The self employed
• Most company directors
• Workers under the age of 18
• Some apprentices and trainees for certain periods of their training
• Students work experience as part of a higher education course
• People living and working within the family

Volunteers

If you think that you are being paid less than the NMW, then go to www.tiger.gov.uk where you'll find "wage reckoners" to work out if you are being underpaid and for help and advice. If you think your employer is not paying you correctly, please call into the Student Job Shop to see a member of staff, or alternatively, visit the Student Advice Centre at the Students' Union.
 

Contacts:

Further information can be found in the student section of 'The National Association of Student Employment Services' website.

Telephone enquiries:

NMW Help Line 0845 6000 678

Written enquiries:

NMW Enquiries,
Freepost PHQ1,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
NE98 12H

Websites:

NMW Interactive Website

Department of Trade and Industry Website

Inland Revenue Website

The Job Shop is proudly sponsored by: