National minimum wage 20 years on: resource round-up

April 2019 marks 20 years since the launch of the national minimum wage. The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 introduced a minimum hourly amount that every worker across the UK is entitled to be paid. The minimum wage rates took effect from 1 April 1999 and are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission.

Different levels of pay apply, depending on the worker's age. The majority of workers older than compulsory school age qualify to receive the national minimum wage, while the national living wage is the rate for workers aged 25 or over.

Here we round up some of the key resources available on the national minimum wage.

National minimum wage rates

Understanding the national minimum wage

Did you know?

The level of the minimum wage is reviewed each year, with uprating taking place on 1 April.

Practical guidance on applying the national minimum wage

Advising workers of the new rates from 1 April

Enforcement of the national minimum wage

Did you know?

Employers that fail to comply with national minimum wage rules may be subject to criminal prosecution, penalties and being publicly named.

Looking ahead