Introduction of Minimum Wages - what are we in for?
Announced by the chancellor, George Osborne, at his summer budget last year, the national minimum wage new rates for 2016 have been increased by 50p more than the previous year’s rate.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum wage that a worker is entitled to in the UK. The minimum wage is worked out on a per hour basis and the rates are reviewed every year by the government, based on the advice by the Low Pay Commission, an independent body. The National Minimum Wage applies to workers who are from school leaving age upto 24 years of age. The rates for the National Minimum Wage are announced every October.
The National Living Wage is worked out in the same manner and reviewed every year by the government. The National Living Wage applies to workers who are 25 years of age and above. The rate for the National Living Wage is announced in April every year.
However, the National Living Wage is sometimes confused with the voluntary living wage. The voluntary living wage is calculated as the amount a full-time worker needs to earn in order to afford a decent standard of living and is set every year.The
The table below shows the current and historic rates for both the national minimum wage and the national living wage.
| Year | 25 and Over | 21-24 | 18-20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2015 | £6.70 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
| 2011 | £6.08 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
| 2010 | £5.93 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |
How does this affect our nurses?
Since the rate change is for the national living wage, it will mean an increase in pay only for those who are aged 25 years and above. There are reports that employers may reduce the number of working hours and overtime to keep their wage bills down, however, we wish to assure our nurses that we will strive to do our utmost to ensure that this does not happen.
We at The Flame Lily value your contribution and loyalty to the company and make every effort to ensure that you get the best the market has to offer. We will keep updating you with more information, as and when it happens. However, if you have any doubts, queries or simply want someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to call or write to us.