If you need help or advice the National
Minimum Wage Helpline can assist employees, employers and
any other interested parties. You can also call the helpline if
you want to make a complaint about an employer you suspect is
not paying the minimum wage. The helpline is open Monday to Friday
9.00am to 5.00pm and all calls are taken in strict confidence.
Telephone: 0845 6000 678 Minicom: 0845 915 3296
Welcome to the Low Pay Commission
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) was established
as a result of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to advise the Government
about the National Minimum Wage.
Low Pay Commission's latest recommendations to Government
The Government has accepted the
Commission's recommendations on increases in the minimum wage rates. To view the Press Notice and all Recommendations click here.
Low Pay Commission Report 2008
The Low Pay Commission's 2008 report was published on the 5 March. To view the report click here.
Historical Rates
Adult Rate (for workers aged
22+)
Development Rate (for workers aged
18-21)
16-17 Year Olds Rate*
1 Apr 1999
£3.60
1 Apr 1999
£3.00
-
-
1 Oct 2000
£3.70
1 Oct 2000
£3.20
-
-
1 Oct 2001
£4.10
1 Oct 2001
£3.50
-
-
1 Oct 2002
£4.20
1 Oct 2002
£3.60
-
-
1 Oct 2003
£4.50
1 Oct 2003
£3.80
-
-
1 Oct 2004
£4.85
1 Oct 2004
£4.10
1 Oct 2004
£3.00
1 Oct 2005
£5.05
1 Oct 2005
£4.25
1 Oct 2005
£3.00
1 Oct 2006
£5.35
1 Oct 2006
£4.45
1 Oct 2006
£3.30
1 Oct 2007
£5.52
1 Oct 2007
£4.60
1 Oct 2007
£3.40
1 Oct 2008
£5.73
1 Oct 2008
£4.77
1 Oct 2008
£3.53
Compulsory School Age
* In England and Wales: a person is no longer
of compulsory school age after the last Friday of June of the
school year in which their 16th birthday occurs.
* In Northern Ireland: a person is no longer
of compulsory school age after the 30th June of the school year
in which their 16th birthday occurs.
* In Scotland: pupils whose 16th birthday
falls between 1st March and 30th September may not leave before
the 31st May of that year. Pupils aged 16 on or between 1st
October and the last day of February may not leave until the
start of the Christmas holidays in that school year.'
