Minimum wage is up

MORE workers will be able to receive the full national minimum wage which comes into effect today (Friday).

The lowest amount of hourly wages an employer can pay has gone up from �5.80 to �5.93.

The age of those entitled to the full amount was reduced from 22 to 21.

For 18-20-year-olds the rate is �4.92, while 16-17-year-olds are entitled to at least �3.64.

The apprentice rate is �2.50 per hour for under-19s, or for the first year for aged 19 or over.

Anyone who is not paid these basic rates from October 1 should fill in an online complaint form at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/complaint.htm.