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The National Minimum Wage

Almost everyone who legally works in the UK must get a minimum level of pay. This is called the National Minimum Wage. You can be paid more than the minimum wage but you must not be paid less.

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Who the minimum wage applies to

Most workers over compulsory school age working in the UK should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

The minimum wage applies to:

  • all workers over school leaving age
  • overseas workers even if they are only in the UK for a short time
  • agency workers and homeworkers
  • mariners
  • agricultural workers (who may be entitled to more than the National Minimum Wage under the agricultural minimum wage)
  • Crown (government) employees
  • staff of the House of Commons and House of Lords

It does not apply to:

  • the self-employed, office holders, directors (unless they also have an employment contract)
  • the armed forces
  • share fishermen
  • voluntary workers when specific circumstances apply
  • prisoners working under prison rules
  • school children below school leaving age

You can find out more about who gets the minimum wage by visiting HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) National Minimum Wage website.

Find out more about the National Minimum Wage

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Current rates

The rates (amounts of money) for the minimum wage may change each year. There are different rates for different aged groups of workers. To find out the current minimum wage rates follow the link below.

The National Minimum Wage - read the current rates

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If you get less than the minimum wage

If you are being paid less than the minimum wage, phone the National Minimum Wage Helpline on the number below. All calls to the helpline are confidential.

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Help

If you have any questions about the National Minimum Wage phone the National Minimum Wage Helpline on Tel 0845 6000 678. Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

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More useful links

The National Minimum Wage - learn more at the Directgov website

Jobs - learn about your rights at the Directgov website

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