National Minimum Wage

Most employees are entitled to be paid a minimum rate of pay per hour. The amount that you are entitled to depends on your age.

The current minimum wage:

- if you are aged 21 years and over is £6.08 per hour
- if you are aged 18- 20 years is £4.98 per hour
- if you are aged 16 -17 years is £3.68 per hour
- for apprentices under 19 (or in 1st year of apprenticeship) £2.60 per hour.

These rates are reviewed every year on 1st October.

The national minimum wage applies to your basic pay and your employer isn’t entitled to count overtime, bonuses, tips which a customer has given directly to you or shift work allowances towards it.

If your employer does not pay you the minimum wage to which you are entitled you have the right to claim compensation at an employment tribunal.

It is unlawful for your employer to to dismiss you or to treat you less favourably because you have insisted that you be paid the legal minimum wage. Any dismissal would automatically be regarded as unfair and entitle you to bring a claim for compensation through the employment tribunal. Strict time limits apply so its important that if you have been the victim of discrimination that you contact us now.