National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage sets out the hourly rates almost all UK workers are entitled to by law and every employer, no matter how small, must pay. Designed to provide employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace, the National Minimum Wage helps small businesses compete on the basis of the quality of goods and services provided rather than low prices based on low rates of pay. The law was first introduced on 1 April 1999 by the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999. Set by government, the headline figure is based on guidance provided by the independent body the Low Pay Commission. What is the National Minimum Wage? The Minimum Wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. There are... »