If you're working you need to know if you are being fairly paid. You will also have to pay taxes and National Insurance.
National Minimum Wage
From 1st October 2011 the National Minimum Wage hourly rates will be:
£2.60 for apprentices who are either under 19 or 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship
£3.68 for 16-17 year olds
£4.98 for 18-20 year olds
£6.08 for anyone 21+
If you are in work and you do not think you are being paid the National Minimum Wage contact the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.
Not everyone is entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Click here to find out if you are affected. Agricultural workers also have their own pay rates.
National Insurance
You will be sent a National Insurance number about three months before you turn 16. Keep your letter safe and memorise your number as you will use it many times during your lifetime. The money is used to build up your entitlement to certain state benefits, including the State Pension.
If you haven't received your number or you have lost it then contact the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.
If you are from overseas and have the right to work in the UK, to get a National Insurance number ring Jobcentre Plus on 0845 600 0643.
Taxes
When you are working you will receive a range of different Pay As You Earn (PAYE) forms. These forms outline how much tax you pay on your wages. If you are starting work for the first time you will be asked to complete a P46 form. If you have just left a job you will get a P45 to give to your new employer.
Your tax code determines how much tax is taken out of your wages during the tax year. The tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April. When you first start work your employer may use an Emergency Tax Code until they know the proper tax code to use.
Taxes are used to fund national services, eg, health, education, defence.
To learn more about taxes visit Tax Matters. This series of online modules is designed specifically for young people 11-19. The teacher's area of the site will be of interest to those with responsibility for teaching Financial Capability.
Low Pay and Employment Rights Help
If you believe that you are not being paid fairly or your employment rights are not being observed then you should contact Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service for advice on 0161 839 3888. This is a free and confidential service for residents and workers within the Greater Manchester area. If you live or work outside Greater Manchester then your best place to start would be Community Legal Services or telephone 08453 45 43 45.