Students and the National Minimum Wage

Are you a student working part-time or during the university or college holidays?

If so, you should know about the National Minimum Wage.  Whatever type of work it is that you do – whether you work part-time around your studies or simply in the university holidays – you are entitled to receive the minimum wage.

Our guide looks at the basics of the minimum wage and what the rates are.

Introduction to the minimum wage

Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are entitled to be paid the minimum wage and all employers have to pay it to you if you are entitled to it. The fact that you are a student does not affect your entitlement, and neither does the fact that you may only work part time or during the holidays.

You are entitled to be paid the minimum wage whatever the type of work, whatever the size of your employer or wherever you work in the UK.

The current minimum wage rates

There are different levels of minimum wage, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. If you’re a student, the minimum wage you are entitled to receive will change depending on your age.  The current rates are:

• £5.93 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.92 – the rate for 18 – 20 year olds
• £3.64 – the rate for workers aged 16 – 17 (above school leaving age but under 18)
• £2.50 – the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

You are not entitled to the minimum wage if you are of compulsory school age.  Some of your other employment rights will also be different.

Changes to the minimum wage in October 2011

The Low Pay Commission reviews the minimum wage every year and from 1 October 2011 the minimum wage will rise to:

• £6.08 – the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.98 – the rate for 18 – 20 year olds
• £3.68 – the rate for workers aged 16 – 17 (above school leaving age but under 18)
• £2.60 – the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Remember that you are entitled to the minimum wage for your age group irrespective of whether you signed a contract at a lower rate or the fact that you are a part time or full time student.

If you aren’t being paid the minimum wage, you can contact the Pay and Work Rights helpline or register an enquiry or complaint online.