As is generally the case each year, 1 October brings a number of
changes to employment law.
The key changes taking effect 1 October 2014 are as follows:
National Minimum Wage Increase
The annual increase to national minimum wage rates for all
workers will take effect, such that from 1 October:
- Workers aged 21 and over will be entitled to £6.50 per
hour
- 18-20 year olds will be entitled to £5.13 per hour
- 16-17 year olds will be entitled to £3.79 per hour
- Apprentices will be entitled to £2.73 per hour
Power to order Equal Pay Audits
From 1 October, Tribunals will have the power to order employers
found to be in breach of equal pay law under the Equality Act 2010
(i.e. those who have lost an equal pay claim brought on or after 1
October 2014) to carry out equal pay audits.
