Employers are reminded that the following changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates are effective from 1 October 2013:

• the adult NMW rate increases from £6.19 to £6.31 per hour;
• the NMW rate for workers aged 18 to 20 increases from £4.98 to £5.03 per hour;
• the NMW rate for 16- and 17-year-olds increases from £3.68 to £3.72 per hour; and
• the apprentice rate of the NMW, which applies to apprentices under 19 or over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship, increases from £2.65 to £2.68 per hour.

In addition, the accommodation offset has risen from £4.82 to £4.91 per day.



Looking ahead, the Government has asked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to consider how the NMW may be able to rise ‘faster than conditions allow’ in order to enable low-paid workers to benefit as the economy recovers. The LPC will report back in spring 2014 when it makes its recommendations on the NMW rates that should apply from October 2014.