The National Minimum wage will increase from 1st October 2011.  Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid as a minimum the National Minimum wage (NMW).  

The new rates are as follows:

-  The adult rate from age 21 plus will increase from £5.93 to £6.08.

-  The rate covering workers aged from 18 to 20 will increase from £4.92 to £4.98 

-  The rate for workers aged 16 and 17 above school leaving age will increase from £3.64 to £3.68.

-  The Apprentice rate for apprentices under 19 or those aged over 19 but in their first year of being an apprentice will   increase from £2.50 to £2.60

 The employer must pay the employee the NMW whether they are full or part time, however they are paid whether weekly or monthly, wherever in the UK they work and whatever size of firm.  It should also be noted that the employee is entitled to be paid the NMW regardless of whether the contract of employment states a lesser rate of pay - it is not something that the employee can "opt-out" of even if they wish to.