What is the National Minimum Wage?

The Low Pay Unit was at the forefront of the campaign for the introduction of the National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage was introduced in April 1999, entitling workers - for the first time ever in Britain - to a guaranteed minimum pay rate. It is illegal for an employer to pay less than the minimum wage.

Who is Entitled to the Minimum Wage?

• The general rule is that all workers aged 18 and over are entitled to the national minimum wage - part-time workers, temporary workers, agency workers, casual workers, homeworkers and piece workers as well as full-time permanent workers.

• However, there are exceptions. Children and young workers aged 16 and 17 are not covered by the minimum wage. Neither are members of the armed forces, share fishermen and those who are genuine volunteers or genuinely self-employed.

Enforcing your right to the Minimum Wage

• You can enforce your right to be paid the minimum wage, and protect yourself against suffering any detriment. See our NMW advice leaflet and employment rights pages.

The Low Pay Unit has consistently argued for a higher minimum wage. See the campaign and research and press releases sections for the Unit's policy statement and information about the campaign.

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