I've taken on a 23 year old with no job experience whatsoever (she is a single mother). Do I have to pay her the adult rate?
Yes - unless she is undertaking accredited training under a written agreement, in which case you can pay the training rate (which is the same as the development rate - see question 1). The definition of accredited training varies according to where you are based (England, Scotland or Wales), but she must train on at least 26 days during the first six months, although the training does not have to take all day. You may only pay her the training rate for six months.
Related Resources
in the Legal Information Centre
- What is the current rate for the minimum wage?
- I have taken on a couple of 17 year olds. Do I have to pay them the development rate, or are there no restrictions on what I can pay?
- Can I pay an employee less than the minimum wage, if he is willing to accept it?
- I employ my wife in the business, and I sometimes get my teenagers to put in a few hours too. Do I have to pay them the minimum wage?
