The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid.
There are different levels of NMW, depending on a worker's age and whether they are an apprentice. The current rates are:
- £6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
- £4.98 - the 18-20 rate
- £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
- £2.60 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
The age at which a worker becomes entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1 October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.
Workers of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW and some of their other employment rights are also different.
The NMW rates are reviewed each year by the Low Pay Commission and from 1 October 2012.
All Springboard employees are paid at least the NMW, however, for those who are paid on or around the NMW they will be unable to claim expenses as to do so would breach the NMW thresholds. Further details on our minimum rates can be obtained from our Customer Service Team.