National Minimum Wage rates

National Minimum Wage rates (Opens new window) will increase for pay reference periods starting on or after 1 October 2009.

The government has accepted a Low Pay Commission recommendation that the main rate should be extended to 21-year-olds. This will be implemented from October 2010.

Tips, gratuities, service charges and cover charges

Following a public consultation, the government has announced that the National Minimum Wage Regulations will change from 1 October 2009 so that tips, gratuities, cover charges and service charges will not count towards National Minimum Wage pay in any circumstances.

Pay and Work Rights helpline

A new helpline is now operating providing practical help and advice on a number of government-enforced employment rights. It takes calls on the National Minimum Wage, Agricultural Minimum Wage, Employment Agency Standards, Gangmaster Licensing and Working Time matters. It provides a one stop shop allowing workers and employers to obtain information and advice in confidence about these rights, and also enables workers (and others) to report abuses, including multiple issue breaches.

The helpline is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday, and is equipped to support multi-language calls.

The decision to establish a single helpline was made in the Vulnerable Worker Enforcement Forum that was chaired by Pat McFadden, the Employment Relations Minister. The Forum considered evidence on the nature and extent of abuse of workplace rights, whether the enforcement regime and support mechanisms were effective and how to increase compliance without increasing burdens for good employers. It reported last year.

Businesses can obtain help and information on government-enforced rights either by calling the new helpline on 0800 917 2368 or by going to the Business Link website (Opens new window).