Most temporary workers in the UK recruitment market actually working in temporary employment recently admitted that they did not know the minimum wage in the UK. Here are a few important facts and figures that you as a temporary worker should know:
WHO
All workers in the UK are entitled to be paid at least the national minimum wage.
The minimum wage applies to:
All workers over school leaving age, overseas workers even if they are only in the UK for a short time, agency workers and homeworkers who may not otherwise qualify as ‘workers’ in employment legislation, Crown employees, staff of the House of Commons and House of Lords,
mariners and agricultural workers already covered by the agricultural minimum wage.
It does not apply to:
The genuinely self-employed, office holders, directors (unless they have an employment contract). School children below school leaving age, the armed forces, share fishermen, volluntary workers and prisoners working under prison rules.
HOW MUCH
The minimum wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. There are different minimum wage rates for different groups of workers as follows:
The main rate for workers aged 22 and over increased on 1 October 2006 to £5.35 an hour from £5.05 an hour.
The development rate for 18-21 year olds increased to £4.45 an hour from £4.25 an hour
The development rate for 16-17 year old increased to £3.30 an hour from £3.00 an hour
On 1 October 2006 the rate of the accommodation offset increased to £29.05 per week (£4.15 per day) from £27.30 per week (£3.90 per day)
It is important to note that these new rates only apply to pay reference periods beginning on or after the date they came into law.
From 1 October 2007 the National Minimum Wage will increase again as follows. Adult rate (workers aged 22 and over) will increase to £5.52.
Development rate for 18-21 year olds will increase to £4.60.
Development rate for 16-17 year olds will increase to £3.40
The rate for the accomodation offset will increase to £30.10 per week (£4.30 per day).
For more information on the Minimum wage so temporary workers know where they stand visit the following governement website:
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