National Minimum Wage

The government has announced that it has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission's recommendations for this year's adult and youth National Minimum Wage rates.

The government has also concluded that the apprentice rate should be increased rather than frozen as recommended by the Low Pay Commission.

The following National Minimum Wage will come into effect on 1 October 2013:

• The adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.31 an hour (1.9%)
• The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 5p to £5.03 an hour (1%)
• The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to £3.72 an hour (1.1%)
• The apprentice rate will increase by 3p to £2.68 an hour. (1.1%)

For further information visit www.gov.uk/government/news/government-approves-new-national-minimum-wage-rate-of-6-31.

The government has also published a report to explain its responses to the Low Pay Commission recommendations, which can be downloaded at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/186856/13-P134-national-minimum-wage-government-response-to-the-low-pay-commissions-2013-report.pdf.