The National Minimum Wage Act came into force on 1 April 1999 – while the National Minimum Wage Regulations were issued in March 1999 and also came into force on 1 April 1999.
The regulations contain many of the provisions which set out how the National Minimum Wage Act operates. Under Section 54 of National Minimum Wage Act, all workers are to be paid a rate not less than the National Minimum Wage.
To receive the National Minimum Wage, workers must be of at least school leaving age. The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on a worker’s age – and whether they are an apprentice. The government has recently proposed to increase the National Minimum wage to £7 per hour by 2015-2016 – an above-inflation increase. However, the current National Minimum Wage for those aged 21 and over is £6.50 per hour.
Year |
21 and over |
18 to 20 |
Under 18 |
Apprentice* |
2014 (current rate) |
£6.50 |
£5.13 |
£3.79 |
£2.73 |
2013 |
£6.31 |
£5.03 |
£3.72 |
£2.68 |
2012 |
£6.19 |
£4.98 |
£3.68 |
£2.65 |
2011 |
£6.08 |
£4.98 |
£3.68 |
£2.60 |
2010 |
£5.93 |
£4.92 |
£3.64 |
£2.50 |
In the UK, the European Commission (EC) Working Time Directive is implemented via the Working Time Regulations 1998.
The 1998 Regulations also brought into force certain provisions of the EC Directive on the Protection of Young People at Work (The Young Workers Directive), relating to rest periods, breaks and night work in respect of young people. The Regulations therefore governs the hours of work, night work, breaks and holidays for young workers.
The Directive was adopted as a health and safety measure, under the 1989 Framework Health and Safety Directive 89/391.
When interpreting the Regulations, an Employment Tribunal is likely to consider a worker’s health and safety.
Workers covered by the 1998 Regulations would include employees working under a contract of employment – as well as individuals who work under a contract to personally perform work or provide services to an employer.
Duncan Lewis offers expert legal advice to employees wishing to bring a claim – including advising on claims relating to the minimum wage and Working Time Regulations.
Duncan Lewis employment lawyers act on behalf of claimants and respondents in all Employment Tribunal related matters.
Our employment team can represent all types of employers, both large and small – as well as individual employees and collective employees in matters relating to the Employment Rights Act 1996, the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999.
Duncan Lewis employment law solicitors operate a transparent fee scale – and can offer a range of competitively priced funding options for claimants and respondents:
Some cases may be funded with Home Contents Insurance or Contents/Buildings Insurance with Employment Protection Cover.
Duncan Lewis believes clients should always know what they will be paying – and will advise on the best funding option at the initial client meeting.
If you have a problem with employment involving the National Minimum Wage or Working Time Regulations, it is important to take legal advice and find out what your rights are as soon as possible.
Duncan Lewis can offer clear legal advice on employment law at any stage of an employment matter – including advising on taking a claim to an Employment Tribunal.
Duncan Lewis has a successful track record in advising companies and employers on employment matters and disputes relating to the minimum wage and Working Time Regulations.
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help with an employment claim.
Duncan Lewis has offices nationwide and in most major cities, with more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.
For expert legal advice on employment law, the National Minimum Wage or Working Time Regulations, call Duncan Lewis employment law solicitors on 020 7923 4020.