On October 1 2007, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increased again - from £5.35 per hour to £5.52 an hour for over-21s. The youth rate (for 18 to 21-year-olds) also increased from £4.45 to £4.60, while the rate for 16 and 17-year-olds increased to £3.40.

If you're a runner, researcher, or any entry-level grade over 21 on less than about £250 a week, divide your weekly salary by the number of ACTUAL hours you work. If it comes out at less than £5.52 an hour - your employer is breaking the law.

However, if you are on unpaid work experience, it's quite possible you too should be getting the minimum wage. As recently confirmed by the DTI (now DBERR), there are very few circumstances under which unpaid work is legal.

And if either of the above applies to you, and you'd like to do something about it, the government's NMW enforcement unit wants to hear from you - go here for more. Then do yourself, and everyone else in your position, a favour and email the enforcement team by clicking here . Your situation will be treated in absolute confidence. Don't let your employer break the law - it only perpetuates abusive conditions.

 

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