The National Minimum Wage is due to increase again from 1 October is 2012. This is a legal right which covers workers above compulsory school leaving age.

The new hourly rates are as follows:

o – Workers aged 21 and over will increase from £6.08 to £6.19

o – Workers between the age of 18-20 will remain at £4.98

o – Workers between the age of 16-17 will remain at £3.68

o – Apprentices up to the age of 19, or in their first year of apprenticeship, will increase from £2.60 to £2.65 (unless the rate is specified in the apprentice training contract).

Most workers in the UK over 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.