The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced that the rates of national minimum wage applicable to pay reference periods starting on or after 1 October 2012 will be as follows:

• the main adult rate (for workers 21 and over) will increase by 11p to £6.19 an hour (currently £6.08 an hour)
• the rate for 18-20 year olds will remain at £4.98 an hour
• the rate for 16-17 year olds will remain at £3.68 an hour
• the rate for apprentices will increase by 5p to £2.65 an hour (currently £2.60 an hour).

From the same date, the daily accommodation offset rate will increase from the current £4.73 to £4.82.