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The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is set to rise tomorrow (1st October 2011) so many students and other people working in full or part time jobs could find a touch more in their pay packets in the near future.

The majority of employees in the United Kingdom who have left school are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage, regardless of whether they work in a full time job or a part time job.

Likewise, it makes no odds whether you are paid on a weekly basis, fortnightly basis or monthly basis. Similarly, the National Minimum wage applies whether you are paid by cheque, direct debit or cash.

Some unscrupulous employers try to get staff who are working in full or part time jobs to sign a contract agreeing to be paid lower than the National Minimum Wage. Such a contract is not legally binding, so, if this has happened to you, then you are still legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

But, how much better off will students and other workers be from tomorrow if they are being paid the National Minimum Wage? Well, it depends on how old you are and whether or not you are serving an apprenticeship. Compare the hourly rates for the National Minimum Wage today with the rates from tomorrow below:

Students & Other Workers Aged 21+
1 October 2011 - £6.08
1 October 2010 - £5.93

Students & Other Workers Aged 18-20
1 October 2011 - £4.98
1 October 2010 - £4.92

Students & Other Workers Aged 16-17
1 October 2011 - £3.68
1 October 2010 - £3.64

Apprentice Rate
1 October 2011 - £2.60
1 October 2010 - £2.50

To find out more about the rules and regulations surrounding part time jobs, go to our handy Part Time Jobs & The Law page.