1. Miss Williams

2. What is the minimum wage? The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid. It was first introduced in 1999. There are different pay rates for those over 16, over 18 and over 21.

3. What are the benefits? Employers are clear on what they should pay their staff. Employees will receive a guaranteed minimum wage. In many jobs wages rose when the minimum wage was introduced. ‘Rogue employers’ who pay their workers little should be eliminated. This makes it fairer for all firms who complete with each other.

4. What are the problems? Many firms faced rising costs when the minimum wage was first introduced. Some firms continue to pay below the minimum wage. This is often to illegal immigrants, who often don’t report that this is happening. Some employees find they are less attractive to an employer once they reach the next level of minimum wage (e.g. over 21).

5. What’s the current minimum wage? Any ideas?? You need to find this out! The answer is at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/ pay/dg_10027201 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/ pay/dg_10027201 You’ll need to include these figures in your work.