Who is entitled to minimum pay?
Nearly all workers aged 16 and over, including part-time workers, fixed-term workers, agency workers, casuals, those working on 'zero hours' contracts and homeworkers, are entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW). So long as you are legally obliged to work for your employer when they offer you work, they are obliged to pay you at least the NMW unless you fall within the small number of excluded groups.
Amongst those who are excluded, and therefore do not qualify for the NMW, are:
- members of the armed forces;
- family members working in the family business;
- people working and living as part of a family; and
- genuine volunteers.
Interns will qualify for the National Minimum Wage if they are “workers” rather than genuine volunteers. This will depend on whether they are legally obliged to do some work during their internship.
Different hourly rates apply for workers depending on their age.
The National Minimum Wage rate changes each year. You can find the latest rates on GOV.UK.
See our minimum wage calculator to find out the rates that might apply to you.