National Minimum Wage: Rates over the years
National minimum wage rates are updated every 1 October. The rates are dependent upon age with a special rate for apprentices.
For the current year, commencing 1 October 2012, the rates are as follows:
- Age 16 or 17 (over compulsory school age) - £3.68 per hour (no change)
- Age 18,19 and 20 - £4.98 per hour (no change)
- Age 21 and over - £6.19 per hour
- Apprentices 16, 17 or 18 (and 19 and over for the first 12 months of training) - £2.65 per hour.
For the rates of earlier years back to 1999 go to the Low Pay Commission website.
The Government has recently announced the next round of uprating for National Minimum Wage. The new rates that will take effect from October 2013 will be:
- Age 16-17 year olds - £3.72 an hour (4p increase)
- 18-20 year olds - £5.03 an hour (5p increase)
- Age 21 and over - £6.31 an hour (12p increase)
- Apprentice rate - £2.68 an hour (3p increase)
In addition, the accommodation offset will increase from the current £4.82 to £4.91
Updated 19 April 2013