Changes to the national minimum wage

On 1 October 2010 the following changes to the national minimum wage will come into effect.

New rates and adjustment of some age ranges 

• £5.93 an hour for workers aged 21 and over (note the change in age range)
• £4.92 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 (note the change in age range)
• £3.64 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17

Accommodation offset rate

The amount permitted to be taken into account where accommodation is provided by the employer will be £4.61 per day.

Apprentices

A new apprentice minimum wage rate of £2.50 per hour will apply to apprentices under the age of 19 and apprentices aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship.

If you are an employer we can –

• identify areas where you may be at risk of claims and help you to address them
• support you with advice on day to day and major issues  
• defend you against any employment related claims
• revise your employment documentation and procedures
• provide training to your staff to improve your health and safety compliance
• keep you informed on developments in the law and best practice
• draft compromise agreements for you to give employees and negotiate with their representatives.

If you are an employee we can –

• bring any employment related claims for you
• negotiate an exit from employment for you on favourable terms
• help you with any issues arising during your employment
• advise you on contractual documentation
• advise you on compromise agreements and negotiate improved terms.

For further information

Please call us on 020 7148 7850 or email info@levenesemployment.co.uk.

Alternatively please contact Victoria Willson directly on 020 7148 7852 or email vwillson@levenesemployment.co.uk.

Disclaimer

Our news articles are written to highlight, in general summary form, some of the legal issues facing employers and employees in the UK. They are not intended to be, and do not constitute either legal advice or an authoritative statement on the law.

4 August 2010