National Minimum Wage

Some workers are not entitled to receive the national minimum wage. Here you will find a list of people who are not entitled to receive the minimum wage.

A Company Director 
As an ‘office holder’ in law you are not entitled to receive the national minimum wage.
If you have a separate worker’s contract or employment contract you will be entitled.

Volunteer
You are not classed as a worker if you are a volunteer. A person can volunteer for any organisation. Volunteers do not have an employment or worker's contract.

A Member of the Armed Forces
Members of the armed forces are not entitled to the minimum wage.

Student Work Experience
A student is not entitled to the national minimum wage when doing work experience as part of a higher or further education course lasting less than one year.

Self-Employed Person
A self-employed person is not entitled to receive the national minimum wage.

Apprentices  
An apprentice under the age of 19 is not entitled to the minimum wage. All apprentices aged 19 and over are not entitled to receive the national minimum wage for the first year of their apprenticeship.

Working for a Friend or Neighbour
If you help a neighbour or friend and receive a payment, but have no contractual obligation, you are not entitled to the national minimum wage.

People Living in a Religious or Other Community Group 
If the organisation is a charity or established by a charity a worker is not entitled to the national minimum wage. Members must live together and practice or advance a religious or similar belief.

A Government Employment Programme
Some workers are not entitled to the national minimum wage when training or doing work experience on government employment programme - a programme to help you find work etc

Living in Your Employer’s Home
If your employer is a family member and you live in the same home, help run the family business or help with household chores, you will not be entitled to the UK national minimum wage.

Share Fishermen
A share fishermen who does not receive a salary or wage, but shares the proceeds or profits from a catch is not entitled to receive the national minimum wage.

Prisoners
A person detained in a immigration removal centre or a prison (working under its rules) is not entitled to receive the minimum wage.