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The National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage rates

The basics of the NMW, including what the current rate is and who is entitled to receive it

Help getting paid the National Minimum Wage

If you believe you are being underpaid you can see your employer's National Minimum Wage records, or ask HM Revenue and Customs to investigate for you.

Work out if you are paid the National Minimum Wage

Almost all workers are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. When calculating your National Minimum Wage pay you need to think about the type of work you do and any deductions from your pay, as well as your pay and hours worked.

Workers entitled to the National Minimum Wage

Nearly all workers in the UK should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Your employer is breaking the law if they aren’t paying it to you

Who is not entitled to the National Minimum Wage

Most workers are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage. Only in very specific situations are people not entitled to receive it.

Students working for a university and living in university accommodation

Some students who are employed by higher education institutions and get accommodation from them may inadvertently have been underpaid the National Minimum Wage (NMW). Find out how to check and get advice on what to do next.

Calculating the National Minimum Wage: the basics

Find out whether you are being paid the NMW and advice on what to do if you are not

Calculating the National Minimum Wage: when your employer provides accommodation

Find out how to work out if you are paid at least the National Minimum Wage rate if your employer provides you with accommodation. The calculation depends on how your employer provides you with the accommodation.

Calculating the National Minimum Wage: time work or salaried hours

Almost all workers should be paid the National Minimum Wage. If you are paid according to the number of hours you are at work, you are a doing ‘time work’. 'Salaried hours' workers are paid in equal weekly or monthly instalments for an agreed basic number of hours over a year.

Calculating the National Minimum Wage: output work (piece work)

Almost all workers should be paid the National Minimum Wage, including output workers (often called ‘piece workers’). If you are paid for the number of things you make or tasks you do then you are probably an output worker.

Calculating the National Minimum Wage: unmeasured work

If you do not think you are doing time work, salaried hours work or output work - then you are probably doing unmeasured work. Even with unmeasured work almost all workers are still entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Handling tips at work

Since 1 October 2009, service charges, tips, gratuities and cover charges can no longer make up your National Minimum Wage pay. Find out what this means if you receive tips as part of your pay and what responsibilities your employer has.

Work experience and the National Minimum Wage

Work experience can be paid or unpaid, depending on the arrangements you have with your employer. Find out if you are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) when doing work experience.

See also