| Hot Topics: National Minimum Wage increases |
| As of 1 October 2010, the national minimum wage will increase by approximately 2%. This means the basic rate for payment of the NMW will increase from £5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 and over to £5.93 for workers aged 21 and over. Young workers aged between 18 and 20 (as opposed to 21 previously) will be entitled to the NMW at the lower rate of £4.92 (previously £4.83) and those aged under 18 will receive £3.64 (previously £3.57). In addition, a new rate of £2.50 per hour will be introduced for apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. |