minimum age

[gina32]

a friend of mine works 8.5 hours a day 5 days a week and in a hairdressers and gets only �85 per week her dad enquired to the boss about this and was told that she doesnt have to pay minimum wage cos she is an apprentice, she is nearly 17, surely she still has to pay minimum wage?

[Machecoul]

This is taken from the web link provided in Buenchico's answer below your question

National minimum wage
The national minimum wage is �4.45 an hour for 18 to 21 year olds - known as the development rate - and �5.35 an hour for 22 year olds and over, known as the adult rate. The development rate can also apply to workers aged 22 and above during their first six months in a new job with a new employer while receiving accredited training.

[gina32]

thanks i posted this question in another part and was told an apprentice doesnt get a minimum wage! disgusting

[Machecoul]

I agree and �2 an hour is a disgrace for anyone - She also seems to be working longer than she should be - I thought there was a maximum working time regulation?

[angeldraws]

i think you will find that appprentices also get their travel expenses paid....

[gina32]

nope this one doesnt get travel expenses

[Buenchico]

Detailed information about the National Minimum Wage is in this DTI document. (Note that the actual hourly rates are not up to date. The current 'under 18' rate is �3.30 per hour):
http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file11671.pdf

As has been stated, some apprentices are not entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage but, in order to prevent employers from abusing this, there must be a valid 'contract of apprenticeship' between the 'master' and the apprentice. (See paragraph 29 in that document). If no such contract exists, the employee is not an apprentice and is therefore entitled to receive the NMW. Further advice can be obtained by calling the confidential helpline referred to in that document.

Chris

[gina32]

thanks everyone

[Cheekystar]

As far as I am aware apprentices are exempt from the minimum wage, I am not aware of employers having to pay travel either check www.apprenticeship.com I think thats the one