National Minimum Wage

What is the National Minimum Wage?

Employers must pay their workers a minimum amount as defined by law. This is called the National Minimum Wage( NMW).

The rates from 1 October 2012

There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age.

• £6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over 
• £4.98 - the 18-20 rate
• £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
• £2.65 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship  

More information on the National Minimum Wage is available on the Direct Government website for employees under Pay.

National Minimum Wage helpline

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) National Minimum Wage Helpline gives confidential help and advice on the minimum wage.

Call the helpline on 0845 6000 678 – lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. All calls are charged at local rates.

You can also call the helpline if you want to make a complaint about an employer who you suspect is not paying the minimum wage

What to do if you think that you are getting less than NMW

Follow the links on this page and inform your self.

If you think you are getting less than the National Minimum Wage and wish to make a complaint, please download and complete a copy of the complaint form and send the completed form to:

National Minimum Wage Enquiries
Freepost PHQ1
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1ZH

· National Minimum Wage Complaint Form (PDF 219K)