The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations for this year’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2012:

• The adult rate (which applies to those aged 21 and over) will increase by 11p from £6.08 to £6.19 an hour.
• The youth development rate for 18-20 year olds will remain at £4.98 an hour.
• The rate for 16-17 year olds will remain at £3.68 an hour.
• The apprentice rate will increase by 5p from £2.60 to £2.65 an hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 years of age working under a contract of apprenticeship or on the Government’s Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme, and apprentices aged 19 or over working under a contract of apprenticeship or on the Government’s Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme but who are in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship.

The accommodation offset will increase by 9p from £4.73 to £4.82 per day from 1 October 2012.

In order to make operating the NMW as simple as possible for all users, the Government is also to put in place and maintain effective, clear and accessible guidance on all aspects of the NMW, particularly where there is significant evidence of ignorance or infringing practice. As a first step, the Government will undertake a review of all existing guidance.