If you are an employer, you may need to have one eye on the National Minimum Wage levels. The current levels are:
- £6.08 the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
- £4.98 the rate for 18-20 year olds
- £3.68 the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
- £2.60 the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19, or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
From 1 October 2012, the rates will increase as follows:
- £6.19 the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
- £4.98 the rate for 18-20 year olds
- £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 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Details of National Minimum Wages are available here.