National Minimum Wage (Removal of Sub-minimum Rates of Pay) Bill 2021

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposal would remove lower minimum wage rates for workers aged 16 and over and for people in their first two years of employment. In plain terms, it would mean those workers should be paid at least the full national minimum hourly rate, instead of being put on reduced starting rates because of age or experience. It also updates the offence provisions so employers who fail to pay the minimum rate can be prosecuted and fined or, in serious cases, imprisoned. The purpose is to make the minimum wage simpler and fairer by ending pay bands that allow some workers to be paid less than the standard rate.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 to end sub-minimum rates of pay for those who have attained the age of 16, and for those who are entering their first two years of employment.

Last updated 30 January 2025