The National Minimum Wage has gone up and that means young people are set to receive an average £450 pay rise per year.
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
- School leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- Aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
National minimum wages from 1st October 2016 are as follows:
| Age | Rate |
| 25 and over | 7.20 / hour |
| 21 to 24 | 6.95 / hour |
| 18 to 20 | 5.55 / hour |
| Under 18 | 4.00 / hour |
| Apprentice | 3.40 / hour |
The apprentice rate is applicable to an individual who is aged 19 or over and in the first year of apprenticeship.
Once an apprentice who is aged 19 or above completes his/her first year, they are entitled to the standard minimum wage.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship combines practical training in a job with study. Please find more information on apprentices eligibility via www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Employers who have apprentices aged 16-24 can be entitled to a grant of 1,500.00 per apprentice. For more specific details please contact the National Apprentice Service on 0800 015 600 or our office on 0121 455 8055
References:
www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice/employer-grants-apprentices
www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
