Don’t forget that the National Minimum Wage went up today (1 October 2011).  The new rates are:

• £6.08 (up 2.5%) – main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.98 (up 1.2%) – 18-20 rate
• £3.68 (up 1.1%) – 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
• £2.60 (up 4%) – apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Everyone over school age is entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage unless they are self employed, volunteers, or on work experience, or in a handful of other situations.  If you are not sure whether you are entitiled to the National Minimum Wage then have a look at the information provided on the Directgov website.

It doesn’t make any difference if you are paid weekly or monthly, or if you are paid by cash or by cheque.