Just a reminder that the National Minimum Wage increased on 1 October 2010, and that those aged 21 are now entitled to the full adult rate, as follows:

l standard rate (workers aged 21 and over): £5.93

l development rate (workers aged 18-20): £4.92

l young workers’ rate (workers aged under 18, but above compulsory school age who are not apprentices): £3.64.

Where an employer provides a worker with living accommodation, the daily allowance that can be offset against the NMW increases to £4.61 for each day that accommodation is provided.

There is also now a minimum wage rate of £2.50 per hour for apprentices under 19 years of age, or aged 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship. All other apprentices, other than those who are not employed, already receive the National Minimum Wage depending on their age.