HMRC is currently carrying out communications activities to ensure apprentices know what they’re entitled to and what they can do if they think they’re not paid correctly. We also want to help employers get the minimum wage right and know that help and support is available.



For Apprentices

As an apprentice you are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Make sure you know how much you should be paid and what you can do if you think you’re underpaid.


Watch out for the following common mistakes which can lead to minimum wage underpayment:

  • If you’re aged 19 and over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship you are entitled to the higher minimum wage rate for your age group, not just the £4.30 apprentice rate
  • You should only be paid the apprentice rate of £4.30 once you have officially started your apprenticeship and not after it ends
  • You must be paid for all training time no matter whether this training takes place at work, college or elsewhere

If you think you haven’t been paid correctly, you can report this to HMRC. Reporting is simple, can be made anonymously or even on behalf of someone else: www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint


If you would prefer to talk your situation through with someone on the phone first, you can call the Acas Helpline on 0300 123 1100.  You do not have to give your name if you don’t want to.


Make sure you get the money you’re owed. Find out more, including the higher minimum wage rates for the different age groups, on the Check your pay website.


For Employers

As an employer of apprentices, you have a legal responsibility to ensure you’re paying them at least the National Minimum Wage. Mistakes can be easy to make but there is help and advice available to get it right.


When paying your apprentices make sure you’re not making the following common minimum wage mistakes:

  • If an apprentice is aged 19 and over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they are entitled to the higher minimum wage rate for their age group.
  • An apprentice can only be paid the apprentice rate of £4.30 once they have officially started their apprenticeship and not after it ends.
  • All training time must be paid no matter whether this takes place at work, college or elsewhere - the training can even be outside normal working hours.


Employers can get help and advice on paying the correct minimum wage by:

  • visiting the Check your pay website
  • calling the Acas Helpline on 0300 123 1100


Find out more, including the higher minimum wage rates for the different age groups, on the Check your pay website.