Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid. If you are being paid below the NMW you can contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline for confidential help.
There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age. The current rates (from 1 October 2009) are:
If you are of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW. Some of your other employment rights are also different.
For confidential help and advice on the NMW call 0800 917 2368
Most workers in the UK over compulsory school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid at least the NMW and all employers have to pay it to you if you are entitled to it. It makes no difference:
You are entitled to the NMW even if you sign a contract agreeing to be paid at a lower rate, either of your own free will or because your employer persuades or makes you. The contract will have no legal effect and you must still be paid the proper rate.
You can download guides on the NMW in several languages. If you contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline they can give confidential help and advice in over 100 different languages.
The Pay and Work Rights Helpline gives confidential help and advice on the NMW and can handle calls in over 100 languages. If you aren’t being paid the NMW you can make a complaint to the helpline.
Find out about the support and help available to you
