National Minimum Wage Rates
There are different National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates, depending on your age and status. The table below gives details of the current minimum wage rates and changes due to take place this year.
| | Previous rate (up to Sep 2002) | Current rate (from Oct 2002) |
The Full NMW rate
All workers aged 22 and over, who qualify for the NMW and who are not 'accredited trainees' (see below) | £4.10 per hour | £4.20 |
The Youth Rate of the NMW
Workers aged 18 and over but under 22. As soon as a worker reaches their 22nd birthday, they are entitled to be paid the full NMW rate. | £3.50 per hour | £3.60 |
The 'accredited training' rate
Workers in the first six months of their job, who are receiving 'accredited training' for at least 26 days, are entitled to the 'development rate' for this first six month period only. After this they are entitled to the full NMW. | £3.50 per hour | £3.60 |
* The government's decision to raise the NMW rates is informed by recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. The Low Pay Commission was established by the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to advise the Government on the National Minimum Wage.
The next increase in the NMW will take effect in October 2002. For more information on the increase, see our press releases.
