Age and the Law
We are always being told that age is just a number, but when it comes to running the monthly payroll, this is definitely not the case. There are strict laws governing what every business, large or small, needs to pay its employees – and in this instance, age really does matter.
The National Minimum Wage for all workers aged 16 to 24 goes up on 1st October 2016 and all employers need to be properly prepared for the change.
Haven’t Minimum Wages Already Gone up this year?
Well, yes and no – and it’s all down to that thorny issue of age again!
Many employees’ wages did go up on 1st April this year when the Government introduced the National Living Wage. However, this only applies to workers aged 25 and over.
Any employee aged 24 and younger falls under the National Minimum Wage, which increases on 1st October 2016.
Good news for younger staff
If you employ staff under 25 or apprentices and pay them the minimum wage, then they’ll be delighted to know they are due a pay rise!
All employers need to make sure they comply will the new changes or there can be some expensive consequences. HMRC can now fine businesses up to £20,000 per employee for each underpaid worker.
What do we need to pay?
Here are the headline rates for the new Minimum Wage:
| Age | Current Rate | Rate from 1st October 2016 |
| 21-24
18-20 16-17 Apprentice* |
£6.70
£5.30 £3.87 £3.30 |
£6.95
£5.55 £4.00 £3.40 |
* This apprentice rate is for apprentices aged 16-18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.
Further information about the new rates can be found here.
We’re here to help!
If you are concerned about the impact of these changes on your business and profitability or need further advice or assistance with your payroll, Smith Newmans can help!
Contact our team on 023 8060 2100 or email admin@smith-newmans.com.
Or take a look at this short video to find out more about us and how we can help your business.