Apprentices are top gainers as National Minimum Wage rises

Apprentices will get the biggest pay boost when the National Minimum Wage increases come into effect in October.

The adult rate will rise by 20p from £6.50 per hour to £6.70, a 3% increase. However, the rate for apprentices will rise by 57p to £3.30 per hour. The government says the larger increase is designed to make the pay rate for apprenticeships comparable to other choices for work.

Ministers are also planning to introduce a National Minimum Wage Accelerator – an online application to enable people to compare their wages with others in their sector and across different regions.

From 1 October 2015:
• the adult rate will increase by 20 pence to £6.70 per hour
• the rate for 18 to 20 year olds will increase by 17 pence to £5.30 per hour
• the rate for 16 to 17 year olds will increase by 8 pence to £3.87 per hour
• the apprentice rate will increase by 57 pence to £3.30 per hour
• the accommodation offset increases from the current £5.08 to £5.35.

The figures represent the largest real-terms increase in the National Minimum Wage since 2007.

Please contact Jackie Cuneen if you would like information or advice about employment law.