As is customary with this time of year, there have been changes to the National Minimum Wage Rates.
The changes took effect from 1 October 2016 and the new rates are as follows:
Age 25+ £7.20
Age 21-24 £6.95
Age 18-20 £5.55
Age 16-17 £4.00
Apprentices* £3.40
*This rate applies to apprentices under the age of 19, or in their first year of apprenticeship.
The National Living Wage for workers aged 25 and over came into force from 1 April 2016 ( see our update earlier in the year) and this rate remains unchanged, at £7.20 per hour. This is mandatory and must be paid in the same way as the National Minimum Wage.
Failure to comply with the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rules can result in both civil liability and/or criminal sanctions, and with the Government naming and shaming employers who fail to comply with these rules ( see our update earlier in the year), it is more important than ever for employers to ensure compliance.
Disclaimer
The material contained in this article is of the nature of general comment only and does not give advice on any particular matter. Recipients should not act on the basis of the information in this e-update without taking appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.
