Starting-out wage
The starting-out wage applies solely to workers aged between 16 and 19 and who are entering the workforce for the first time.
Starting-out workers are:
Aged 16-17 and have worked for you for less than six months.
Aged 18-19 and have been paid a specified social security benefit for six months or more, and who haven’t yet completed six months continuous employment with any employer since they started being paid a benefit. After six months continuous employment with a single employer, they must be paid at least the adult minimum wage rate.
Aged 16-19 and required by their employment agreement to undertake industry training for at least 40 credits a year to become qualified.
Training minimum wage
The training minimum wage applies to employees aged 20 years or over who are completing recognised industry training involving at least 60 credits in order to become qualified.
Employing school-age workers
There is no minimum wage for employees who under 16 years of age. If you employ under-16s, you must not let their work get in the way of attending school.