The National Minimum Wage rates will come into effect on 1 October 2011:

• The adult rate will increase by 15p to £6.08 an hour;
• The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 6p to £4.98 an hour;
• The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to £3.68 an hour; and
• The rate for apprentices will increase by 10p to £2.60 an hour.

While unionised staff from some of the UK’s largest organisations disrupt vital services by striking in protest at wage freezes and reduced hours, small business employees have, in stark contrast, been rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.

Factor in value when setting wage and salary levels
It is important to factor in the value of both the work and the individual's contribution when setting wage and salary levels. Begin by assessing the value of a particular job. Here, you must look at the work, not the person doing it, and ask how much value it adds to your business. Based on this assessment, you can set a wage or salary range for the job. Of course, you will also need to keep an eye on the labour market and be sure to set and maintain remuneration levels that are competitive.