The Low Pay Commission is currently consulting on the National Minimum Wage, with a view to making recommendations on what the rates should be from October 2013.
The National Minimum Wage is monitored and reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission, which makes recommendations of rate increase and enforcement to the Government.
In June 2012, the Government asked the Low Pay Commission to focus on the following key areas:
1. Young workers, including those in apprenticeships. The Government has specifically asked the Low Pay Commission to consider the implications of raising the participation age in England on the youth and apprentice rates;
2. The accommodation offset; and
3. Whether the National Minimum Wage regulations for salaried workers can be simplified.
The consultation paper can be accessed here and the deadline for responses is 17 September 2012. The Low Pay Commission will send its report to the Government by the end of February 2013.
Employers should also be aware that National Minimum Wage rates for some employees will rise from 1 October 2012:
1. The standard adult rate (workers aged 21 and over) will rise from £6.08 to £6.19 per hour;
2. The development rate (workers aged between 18 and 20) will remain at £4.98 per hour;
3. The young workers rate (workers aged under 18 but above the compulsory school age who are not apprentices) will remain at £3.68 per hour;
4. The rate for apprentices will rise from £2.60 to £2.65 per hour; and
5. The accommodation offset will rise from £4.73 to £4.82 per day.