Every Worker (this includes all casual, sessional, and part time workers) is entitled to be paid a statutory National Minimum Wage. The Government usually sets new rates for the National Minimum Wage early in the year for implementation as from 1st October.

The current rates as from 1st October 2009 are:

16-17 year olds, £3.57 per hour
18-21 year olds, £4.83 per hour
22 years above, £5.80 per hour

Expected new rates for Oct 2010 have recently been announced (but not yet fully confirmed by the new Government). These are:-

16-17 year olds, £3.62 per hour
18-20 year olds, £4.92 per hour
21 years above, £5.93 per hour (Note: starting age reduced from 22 years)

Further information can be found in the following Advice Note.

National Minimum Wage Advice Note (Word)
National Minimum Wage Advice Note (PDF)