If you need help or advice about the National Minimum Wage the Pay and
Work Rights Helpline can advise workers, employers and any other interested
parties on a range of workplace rights and will deal with reports of abuse
of those rights. As well as the National Minimum Wage, the helpline can
also deal with enquiries about: working hour limits, employment agencies,
the Agricultural Minimum Wage and working for a gangmaster.
Telephone:0800 917 2368
Welcome to the Low Pay Commission
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) was established as an
independent body as a result of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to advise the
Government about the National Minimum Wage.
National Minimum Wage: Low Pay Commission Report 2010
The Commission has now received its remit and has launched a consultation for the 2010 Report.
The closing date has passed to receive tenders for research projects for the 2011 Report. For details of the tenders requested please 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
1 Oct 2009
£5.80
1 Oct 2009
£4.83
1 Oct 2009
£3.57
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.'
