The introduction of a National Minimum Wage backed by legal force in 1999 was one of the main domestic achievements of the Labour Governments of 1997-2010.
Changes to the rate have been recommended each year by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by government.
Although the Conservative government elected in May 2010 honoured the increase already agreed by its predecessor that year, it remains to be seen whether this will continue in future.
At the time of writing, the Low Pay Commission is in the process of producing its 2011 report and recommendations. Any 2011 rise in the National Minimum Wage would take place in October 2011.
The Low Pay Commission calculates that around 750,000UK workers were paid at the National Minimum Wage rate in 2009 (the most recent date for which figures were available).
National Minimum Wage rates 1999-2011 | |||
Adult rate1, £ph | Development rate2, £ph | 16- and 17-year-olds' rate, £ph | |
1 April 1999 | 3.60 | 3.00 | - |
1 October 2000 | 3.70 | 3.20 | - |
1 October 2001 | 4.10 | 3.50 | - |
1 October 2002 | 4.20 | 3.60 | - |
1 October 2003 | 4.50 | 3.80 | - |
1 October 2004 | 4.85 | 4.10 | 3.00 |
1 October 2005 | 5.05 | 4.25 | 3.00 |
1 October 2006 | 5.35 | 4.45 | 3.30 |
1 October 2007 | 5.52 | 4.60 | 3.40 |
1 October 2008 | 5.73 | 4.77 | 3.53 |
1 October 2009 | 5.80 | 4.83 | 3.57 |
1 October 2010 | 5.93 | 4.92 | 3.64 |
1 October 2011 | tbc | tbc | tbc |
1. For workers aged 22 and over until 2010 when this rate applied to those aged 21 and over. 2. For workers aged between 18 and 21. Apprentice minimum wage From 1 October 2010, an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour is applicable to those apprentices under the age of 19, and those aged 19 and over in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship. Source: Low Pay Commission | |||
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