New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October

Statement from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

On Saturday, 1 October, the government is introducing increases to the National Minimum Wage rates of pay. It is the minimum pay per hour all workers are entitled to by law, depending on their age and whether they are an apprentice.

Minimum rates from 1 October 2016

The new rates of pay are:

• £6.95 for those aged 21-24, 
• £5.55 for 18-20 year olds and 
• £4.00 for under 18s. 

For apprentices, the rate is £3.40 in the first year of employment and before their 19th birthday. If apprentices are aged 19 or over, second year pay must be at least the National Minimum Wage rate for their age group (£5.55 if they are aged 19 or 20 or £6.95 if they are 21-24).

No matter how large or small the business is that you work for, your employer must ensure that staff pay is in line with the new National Minimum Wage rates. It is against the law for employers to pay workers below the National Minimum Wage or to falsify payment records.

Don’t miss out on being paid fairly - check to see if your pay matches the National Minimum Wage or if your employer owes you payments from past years.

If you are being paid less than the National Minimum Wage, talk to your employer if you are comfortable doing so. Otherwise, phone the confidential Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 and a team member will support you in securing the money you are owed. For more information,  you can also visit the department's facebook page.

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