Coming to work in the UK
In this section:
- Documents you need before you can work in the UK
- Paying UK tax and National Insurance - an introduction
- Working for someone else (employed)
- Working for yourself (self-employed)
- Working in the construction (building) industry
- Tax on income and gains outside the UK
- Financial help if you are on a low wage or have children
- The National Minimum Wage
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.
On this page:
- Who the minimum wage applies to
- Current rates
- If you get less than the minimum wage
- Help
- More useful links
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
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
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.
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.
More useful links
The National Minimum Wage - learn more at the Directgov website
