If you are an employer, you may need to have one eye on the National Minimum Wage levels.  The current levels are:

• £6.08   the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.98   the rate for 18-20 year olds
• £3.68   the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
• £2.60   the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19, or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

From 1 October 2012, the rates will increase as follows:

• £6.19   the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.98   the rate for 18-20 year olds
• £3.68   the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
• £2.65   the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19, or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Details of National Minimum Wages are available here.