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Apprentices to receive new minimum wage
Apprentices will be entitled to a minimum wage of £2.50 an hour, under new plans announced by the Government.
The new wage will apply to apprentices who are under the age of 19, or those aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.
The news follows the recent announcement that the existing National Minimum Wage rates will be increased from 1 October 2010. From that date, the main adult rate will also be extended to apply to 21 year olds.
From 1 October, adult workers aged 21 and over will receive £5.93 an hour (currently £5.80 for those aged 22 and over). Meanwhile, 18-20 year olds will receive £4.92 an hour (currently £4.83 for 18-21 year olds), and 16-17 year olds will receive £3.64 an hour (currently £3.57).
David Norgrove, Chairman of the Low Pay Commission, said, 'The introduction of an apprentice rate marks an important extension to minimum wage protection across the UK'.
However, some business groups have warned that the increases could have an adverse effect on job availability for younger workers.