the Minimum Wage

If you do take up a job the law says you are entitled to a minimum wage. The amount of the minimum wage is set by the Government, and it is illegal for an employer to pay you less than this amount. The amount you must be paid depends on how old you are. From October 2009, the minumum wage rates are:

£5.93 an hour if you are aged 21 or over

£4.92 an hour if you are aged between 18 and 20

£3.64 an hour if you are 16 or 17

There are some exceptions to this law. You can find out more on the National Minimum Wage.

There is also a National Minimum Wage telephone helpline on 0845 6000 678.