Explanatory note

These Regulations, which amend the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 and come into force on 1st October 2001, increase the minimum hourly rate of the national minimum wage from £3.70 to £4.10. They increase the rate to be paid to those (including workers aged between 18 and 21 inclusive) who qualify for the national minimum wage at a different rate, from £3.20 to £3.50. They also make a number of other amendments to the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999.

The Regulations contain a transitional provision having the effect that the increased rates and other changes made by the Regulations apply in relation to pay reference periods beginning on or after 1st October 2001.

Regulatory Impact Assessments of the estimated costs and benefits of the rate increases have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. They are available to the public from Employment Relations S&P1, Department of Trade and Industry, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET and on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk