The Government accepted the independent Low Pay Commission's (LPC) recommendations for this year's National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates.
The following rates came into effect on 1 October 2011:
The adult rate (aged 21 and over) increased by 15p to £6.08 an hour;
The rate for 18-20 year olds increased by 6p to £4.98 an hour;
The rate for 16-17 year olds (above school leaving age, but under 18) increased by 4p to £3.68 an hour; and
The rate for apprentices (aged under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship) increased by 10p to £2.60 an hour.