There is a lower hourly national minimum wage, which applies to workers at the age of 18 and applies until they reach the age of 22. It is currently £4.83 per hour (from October 2009).
A new rate was introduced in October 2004, extending minimum wage protection for the first time to 16-17 year olds. This starts at £3.57 per hour.
Under the age of 16, there is no minimum wage protection.
