The Government has today confirmed that it has accepted the recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC) on the new rates for the National Minimum Wage, as referred to in yesterday’s Budget.
The new rates, which will come into force on 1 October 2010 will be:
* £5.93 per hour for low paid workers aged 21 and over (a 2.2% increase on the current £5.80 rate);
* £4.92 per hour for 18-20 year olds (a 1.9% increase on the current £4.83 rate); and
* £3.64 per hour for 16-17 year olds (a 2% increase on the current £3.57 rate.
The Government also announced that it had accepted the LPC’s recommendation to introduce an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. The new rate will apply to those apprentices who are under 19 or those that are aged 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Business Minister Pat McFadden:
“Since the National Minimum Wage was introduced millions of low paid workers across the country have benefited by having their wages increased.
“The Low Pay Commission, which includes employers and Trade Union representatives, carefully considered the latest economic data and evidence before making its recommendations, balancing the needs of businesses and workers.
“Today’s recommendations provide a welcome increase for workers, but the economy is still fragile and government must continue to support the recovery in the months ahead.
“I’m also glad to see the LPC recognising the significant contribution that apprentices make to the economy. I hope this will encourage more people to take advantage of this opportunity and invest in their skills by taking up an apprenticeship.”
Low Pay Commission Chairman David Norgrove said:
“We are pleased that the Government has again accepted the Commission’s recommendations. The introduction of an apprentice rate marks an important extension to minimum wage protection across the UK.”
The Government also published its strategy for ensuring compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation over the next three to five years.
The strategy builds on the last 10 years and sets out the Government’s priorities for ensuring that workers receive the wages they are entitled to.
lauren says
Hi,
Im 18 and have been working in my salon for more than 2 years, 40 hours a week. I get £2.50 an hour and have done the whole time i have been there which i am sure is not right? I started as an apprentice and have now completed my level 2 and am currently doing my level 3. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks x
Mick Say says
Hi Lauren
Generally a hairdressing apprenticeship lasts for two years. You may still be contracted as an apprentice. You should refer to your copy of the contract you were/should have been given when you began your apprenticeship. Ask your salon manager for a copy of your contract if you do not have one. The contract will state when your apprenticeship started and when it will end.
Today the minimum wage for an apprentice (16 to 19 years of age) is £2.65 per hour. If your apprenticeship has ended then aged 18 you should be paid £4.98 per hour (minimum wage for an 18 year old).
From 1st of October 2011 until 1st of October 2012 the correct minimum wage was £2.60 per hour for 16 to 19 years old apprentices. You were paid correctly in 2010 (£2.50 per hour).
Please ask (respectfully) to speak to your salon manager to discuss your pay and to confirm when your apprenticeship ends (or ended).
Mick
Aimee says
I really need help I have been in my salon for 2 years. On the 29th June I completed my level 2 and now I am qualified. I believe that my pay should go up to minimum wage in July ( I am currently on 100 pound a week ) but my boss says no. I haven’t got a contract. Could you tell me if my money should go up this month or not ? Thanks x
michelleharris says
Hi Aimee
Firstly you should have a contract, see this document – http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/employmentcontractsandconditions/dg_10027905
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills minimum wage rates from 1 October 2011:
the minimum wage rate for apprentices £2.60 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 16-17 year olds £3.68 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 18-20 year olds £4.98 an hour
the minimum wage adult rate £6.08 an hour
Hope this helps
liz says
hi , I turned 19 in may and my wage did not go up , i am currently on £124 a week , i am at college doing my level 3 and i work 5 days a week (1 being my college day) , so i do not earn £4.92.. am i right ? thanks
Mick Say says
These are the rates from before October 2011
If your apprentice is aged 19 and over you can pay them £2.50 per hour in their first year of apprenticeship only.
casey says
Heyyy!!! Can you please let me know when you start to get full wage once you have finished your apprentcieship please ? i have just recently qualified and my employer hasnt mentioned nothing about my wage changing from 100 a week :/ i would just like to know please 🙂 Thanks x
Mick Say says
Hi Casey
If you are NOT an apprentice you should be paid as stated in the list below. If you are an apprentice your contract should state clearly when your apprenticeship started and when it will end.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills minimum wage rates from 1 October 2011:
the minimum wage rate for apprentices £2.60 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 16-17 year olds £3.68 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 18-20 year olds £4.98 an hour
the minimum wage adult rate £6.08 an hour
Kelly says
Hi, I am working as an apprentice hairdresser. I have worked a weeks trial and was paid £20-00 for the week, I have also now worked 2 weeks and still not been paid. The Manager says that she is going to keep these two weeks wages, because a previous girl walked out on her and she had to pay for the two tunics and a days pay. So she is covering herself. Is this allowed.
Mick Say says
Hi Kelly
Do you have a contract?
I would have to suggest that you look at this page for you rights as an employee http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_rights_at_work_e/rights_to_pay.htm
Thanks
Luci says
Mick – How long does it take for you to reply to posts?
Mick Say says
Hi Luci
It depends on the question – Many of the questions asked on this website would be answered by reading the blog and the other comments on the page.
I am sorry if I have missed your question. – Mick
Kirsty says
I looked at your comments about minimum wage. The one thing that irritates me more than anything is the extra hours we are expected to work WITHOUT pay. I am contracted to 40 hours but it’s an unwritten ‘rule’ that we work over all the time. This wouldn’t be so bad if we at least got off on time for the weekend. Ultimately this actually takes the hourly rate way below what it should be – I can say that on average we work up to 8 hours extra a week! It would be worth salon managers remembering that to get the best from their staff they need to let them have a life outside the salon too!
Mick Say says
Hi Kirsty – I have to agree with you it is immoral for an employer to take advantage of young people in this way. It is unlawful for an employer to ask and under 18 years of age apprentice to work more than 40 hours per week.
Regards – Mick
grace says
hello,
I have a deed of an apprenticeship in hairdressing, i have been doing my apprenticeship for 2 years on my contract the End date clearly states my apprenticeship finishes may 2011, it started in may 2009. I turned 18 last august (2011) when i recently enquired about being paid minimum wage, he stated he had incorrectly entered the date on my contract and told me i should finish in may 2012, even thoe back in august he told me i had finished my apprenticeship and still awaiting certificates, he did give me a pay rise of £20. I was on £120 a week now on £140. Now he says my apprenticeship hasent finished. I still have no certificates and my deed on my apprenticeship ended in may 2011. what shall i do?
Mick Say says
Hi Grace
You need to ask your salon manager/owner for an appointment to meet and discuss your certificates and your wages, only by discussing this can it be resolved.
It is difficult for me to comment with only partial information, but it seem that if your apprenticeship has ended and you are employed full time you should be earning the minimum wage for your age which is £4.98 per hour.
Please see this page: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/payroll/day-to-day/nmw.htm
Good luck – Mick
chelsea mitchell says
and i am working 44 hours a week ?
thanks chelsea
chelsea mitchell says
hi
i am working in a hairdressers i am 16 years old and i am only getting 100 pound a week am i getting minimum wage ?
Mick Say says
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills minimum wage rates from 1 October 2011:
the rate for apprentices £2.60 an hour
the rate for 16-17 year olds £3.68 an hour
the rate for 18-20 year olds £4.98 an hour
the adult rate £6.08 an hour
gemma says
hi
i was just wondering i am 20 years old working in a salon now for 7 months, they class me as an apprentices even tho i am level 3 qualified and running a full coloum, can they still pay me £2.50 an hour at this age and with my qualifications? also i have been informed that because i started in may 2011 i wasnt entitiled to much holiday last year
thanks
gemma
Mick Say says
Hi Gemma
Have a look at your contract of employment. Does it state that you are an apprentice – is it a “Deed of Apprentiship” ?
If you are NOT an apprentice you should be paid as stated in the list below. If you are an apprentice your contract should state clearly when your apprenticeship started and when it will end.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills minimum wage rates from 1 October 2011:
the minimum wage rate for apprentices £2.60 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 16-17 year olds £3.68 an hour
the minimum wage rate for 18-20 year olds £4.98 an hour
the minimum wage adult rate £6.08 an hour
viki says
hi,my sister is currently working in a salon for a old family friend as a trainee apprentice,I have not signed a deed of apprenticeship do she still have rights as any normal employee would have? and also does she have to go out handing out leaflets?also should she be opening up the salon she is 16years old?
Thanks viki
Monica says
Mick
How do you tackle an salon that, on average, has their staff working – each – approximately 8 hours over their hours. We have a boss that thinks that we should all live and die hairdressing and as a result have no time to build a social life of our own. Although we have set hours it is an unwritten rule that we work over them. I love my job and my boss is great BUT I need to make a life for myself outside the Salon and its not happening
Lisa says
hi i was in an apprenticeship for 2 months in august i resulted in leaving because my boss had bullied me to the point of giving me a verbal warning about not sweeping up properly, i was also given extra money on my weeks notice, is this right? or was it guilt money.
thanks.
Debbie Mulford says
Hi
My daughter has had no contract of employment with her salon, she has just completed her 2 year apprenticeship. & is now working as a junior stylist . Her wages increased this month from £400 to £500 her boss says it will go up again the end of the year/January when she is 19.
He is always very vague about payments & trys to avoid any questions with the answer, I will look into it. But never does. One of the mothers went in & had words him about a year ago, because he was doing the same with her daughter. He then increased her wage, how do they get away with this?
Can you confirm for her what wage she should be on, she will be 19 on January 4th 2012
Its like banging your head against a wall trying to find the right answer for her.
Thanks for any advice you can give me for her.
Debbie
lyn says
Hi Mick. My Grandaughter aged 17 has been told that if she has an apprentiship under contract of employment her child tax credits will stop.. is there any way around this ..as i am disabled and get help for her living here towards the rent etc and she is worried.Thanks
Robert says
Hi
I am a solon manager, i have had a junior working for me and she turned 19 in her second year, i was very good to this employee and took into consideration her poor family back ground and on many occations allowed her days off with pay above her holiday entitlement, also she on many occation turned up for work drunk from the night before, also she used to have her hair cut coloured and straightened every six weeks, i have now been told that i have under paid her, and that i should pay her the monies outstanding, i researched the minimum wage at the time of her second year starting and informed the people that she was turning 19 in her second year, and was informed it was £2.50 i feel as a responable person i am being targeted, and do feel that a lot of 2nd year apprentices do not make their wages should they be paid £4.92 per hour
amy thomas says
Hi there iv been quilifed 3 years and don’t hav a full clientel but I do a few in a week I work 4 days a week n 9 hour shifts I am 20 years old just wondering what hourly wage I should be on thankyou
Georgina.M says
Hello,
I have just turned 19 at the end of July. I have just started my second year of my apprentice at college, should my pay be increased to the minimum wage of £4.92 per hour?
Thanks. Georgina.
Danielle says
hii iam 18 and dinished my level 2 in june. iam not doing my level 3 till next january which im 19 in december. ive been told im ment to be getting minium wage now while im not training and on the floor
Paul says
Please help, my 18 year old daughter is working as an apprentice hairdresser. During her first year as a 16 year old in 2008 she was paid £80 for a 47 hour working week. Since then she has been paid £90 per week (same hours). She is now 2 years and 8 months into her training and has still to pick up a pair of scissors! I feel she has been underpaid, overworked and undertrained but would appreciate your input before I possibly make matters worse for my daughter by challenging her employers.
Sinead says
Hi there, I have been working and currently doing my SVQ in a salon now for over three years and i started when I was 16 now I’m Almost 20 as they keep holding us back and have been
Doing my apprenticeship for 3 years. Currently I work a 47hour week and I am currently on £90 a week. I have been informed by my employers that I am due now £95 a week is this correct? As I have been not NMW for aprentices is £2.50 per hour or is it different for hairdressers?
Thanks x
Char says
My daughter started working for a salon in February and as at July she had still not received contract, training or day release for college – she was employed as an Apprentice at £2.50 per hour – she has now left because her former boss bullied her and the final straw was when he bounced her pay cheque. Am I right in thinking that because she was not given an apprentice contract or any contract she would be entitled to the minimum minimum wage for her age rather than the apprentice rate? Am aware he is in breach of unlawful deduction of wages.
Mick Say says
When your daughter turns 19 years of age her rate should increase to £4.92 per hour. Please read all of this page:
https://salonmanagersacademy.com/2010/03/hairdresser-minimum-wage/
Thanks – Mick
sophie says
Thanks for the reply.
And no she has never had a deed of apprenticeship as she was doing a full time college course (3 days) with 1 day in salon at first and then an extra 3 days in the salon since December as he needed extra help.
Is he in his rights to make her sign a deed of appreticeship at this stage (she is now NVQ2 qualified) if he is reluctant to pay her the minimum wage of £4.92?
sophie says
Hi Mick – need a few more answers please!
My daughter has finished her full time college course NVQ2 and is now working 4 days in the salon, she talked to her boss about wages and he said he doesn’t pay by the hour but by the day. The problem is that the ‘day’ is never the same hours and it NEVER amounts to the minimum wage for her age of 18. E.g she worked from 8am-8pm and got paid £45 which is equiv. £3.75 p/h. Surely even if a salon pays by the day/week it should correspond down to at least the minimum wage. Also, she doesn’t seem to get any proper breaks. What do you suggest we do? She has been there 2 years and doesn’t want to rock the boat, but it seems she is getting exhausted doing 10-12 hours day for not much return. I’m thinking of speaking with him but I really need to know what his legal obligations are whithout me expecting more than is due. I’d really appreciate a bit more advice – thanks.
Mick Say says
Hi Sophie
It is very difficult to comment accurately without having the full picture but as a guide…
There really is no such thing as a “day rate” !
Your daughter MUST have a contract of employment this is the law and the contract should clearly state remuneration.
The minimum wage for an 18 years old worker is currently £4.92 unless the worker is an apprentice working under a “deed of apprenticeship” in which the minimum wage would be £2.50 per hour and a maximum of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
Breaks must be structured with a minimum of 1 hour over any 9 hour working period. EG – half hour for lunch and a 15 min break in the morning and the afternoon. The employer is not obligated to pay for breaks.
Jenny says
Hi,
Im after some advice, im 26 years old and always wanted to be a hairdresser. Now my children are of an age where i can rely on school clubs etc i have been looking through my options and been enquiring into training in a salon as this is financially the only way suitable for me as my husband works.
Only with the law changing and the wage having increased for 21 years plus no one will give me that chance… Many of you will think im crazy but i would be very happy to be on 3.64 ph….. il do anything really to be given the chance to train.. Is there any way around the wage business??
many thanks
Harry says
Mick – your reply is very informative but why is the minimum wage applicable to places like London where the price of living is so much higher. Also why aren’t Salon Managers thinking outside the box and daring to offer more than the minimum wage in order that they keep their staff and prevent them from leaving. With regards to contracts – how valid are they really?
Mick Say says
Hi again Harry
I don’t make the rules Harry the Government does – You will need to speak to your local MP if you would like to progress your issue with the governments minimum wage.
Regarding Salon Owners and Managers Thinking Outside the Box.
The relationship between pay and staff leaving is one of “Cost vs. Benefit” EG:
If a stylist A is a top client earner and stylist B is just average, then stylist A is worth more to the Salon owner than Stylist B.
Stylist A will earn more than stylist B. > Ergo – it’s down to each stylist to ensure that they are worth more than minimum wage and then negotiation with management.
Please do not ask what you should be given – ask yourself What are you really worth
With regard to contracts – Contracts are Law – they are very valid. You may need to give me a more direct question on this subject.
Mick
Jenni Logan says
I completed training at a training academy in London (Rush) and and am near the end of my first year as a Junior stylist. Will my wage increase really be only 1.9% – £4.92 an hour! I am 19 and I would like to think that my boss would be more honourable and consider the expense of living and travelling in London – I can’t believe that I might be on this low wage till I am 21! Is the wage up to the salon Manager. Thanks
Mick Say says
Hi Jenni
The world today is a very competitive place and good Jobs with reputable employers are very hard to find. Whilst working for Rush you are with a very reputable brand and you will continue to receive some of the best training available anywhere in the world.
£4.92 is the minimum wage for your age group and this will raise to £5.93 when you reach 21. I have to be honest with you Jenni – Aged 19 and just completing your training does not make you a valuable asset to your employer. Your employer to date and the government have invested a huge resource of time, training and money to get you to where you are today.
The day your training ends is the day when you life and craft experience learning really begins.
You, and other people in your position cannot ask or demand a high salary, you have to demonstrate through creative brilliance, your client relationship skills and your enthusiasim that you deserve more, and when you do – I think your management team will recognise your skills and pay you accordingly – but this is up to you to demonstrate.
Think about the following and what you will need to do to be amongst the highest earning stylists in the country.
1. Client Satisfaction –
2. Client Retention
3. Client Referrals
4. Retail Sales
5. Up selling Client Services
6. Being the Best Colourist in your salon/town
7. Being the Best Cutter in your Salon/town
8. Fighting to get onto the Rush Artistic Team
9. How many new clients do you personally bring in to the business
8. Being a real team player and making a difference!
Do you arrive at work every morning looking fantastic ready to set your clients world on fire and WOW them with your creativity and client care skills?
When you do all of the above you will be able to question minimum wage – but today you must prove your worth and when you do – you will be rewarded.
I hope this helps – Mick
dennis says
hi what would the wage be for some one who is over 40 and wanting to start a career in hairdressing thanks
Mick Say says
Hi Dennis
I hope you are well. The hairdressing industry is a vibrant fun business and all involved work really hard. Wages in the Hairdressing Industry like any other are variable and are negotiable, the minimum wage for you would be £5.93.
sophie says
Hi
My daughter is just about to finsh 2nd year college and will be qualified NVQ2, she is now 18 and since she started college has been working 1 day at a salon increasing to 3 extra days a week in salon. There are no set hours and she sometimes finishes after 7 making it a 10/ 101/2 hour day for which she is paid £30 to £35 a day. From what I am reading it seems she is being underpaid – is that right. Shouldn’t she be paid £4.92 per hour because of her age and because she is not an apprentice? And she has no contract is this acceptable?
Mick Say says
Hi Sophie
If your daughter is an Hairdressing apprentice and if she has an “Deed of Apprenticeship” (contract) then this pay is correct. Generally a Deed of Apprenticeship runs for two years, but the dates on the contract will be very specific. You will know if she has a deed of apprenticeship because they have to be signed by a parent or guardian. Please check your daughters contract and also read the blog right at the top of this page.
Thanks – Mick
hayley says
Thanks Mick,
From when I’m I entitled to this hourly rate once I’m 19?
Mick Say says
Hi Haley – NOW…..
Because you were not issued with a contract the law protects you with the full rights of an full time employee – you should ask your employer to pay you the full rate immediately. Your employer is already in breach of his or her legal duty of care to you to provide you with the minimum wage commensurate to your age. All employees should be issued with contract of employment within six months of starting work.
hayley says
hi
i am an apprentice hairdresser, started work in june 2008, since then i have finished my level 2 NVQ, and recieved my certificate, i am also 19 and didnt sign a contract of employment when i first started, what hourly rate am i entitled to?
Mick Say says
you are entitled to £4.92 per hour. By law you should be issued with a contract of employment within six weeks of joining your employer.
Alexander Scott says
Hi my daughter started as an assistant trainee hairdresser at the age of 16 in Jan 2009 which is nearly two and a half years, she turned 18 on jan 2011, she works 48 hours per week at a rate of £2.50ph although her wageslip says only 40 hours ( I take it the other 8 hours is for inhouse training?) she has been told her training will be finished come august or september, so will she then move on to £4.92ph after that and will it stay like that until she is 21 years of age then move onto £5.93ph?..could you be so kind and confirms these details please.
alex
Mick Say says
Hi thank you for your comment.
Regarding the working hours – working time is working time unless your daughter is volunteering her time for free.
Regarding the pay rate when your daughter completes her apprenticeship – if you read the blog at the top of this page and then many of the comments you will see that there are clear regulations which should be applied to minimum wage congruent to a persons age and status.
Thanks – Mick
Lauren viggers says
Hi,
I am 23 years old and work in a salon I have been working here for 8 years, I currently get a basic wage then commission on top of that I know my basic wage is not minimum wage for my age but have been told by my boss that the commission I receive added on to my basic make it up! I thought that when the basic wage changed in October that you have to receive basic wage before commission? Can you confirm this for me and if I am right would I Be able to be back paid for this? Thanks Lauren x
Jordan Wardle says
Hi,
I’m 18 and I qualified as a hairdresser in october last year. I have been working at this salon for 2 years 9 months and I am still on £90 a week. I am a bit confused as to the wage I should be getting because one website says the minimum is £4.25 for hairdressing, yet others say I’m entitled to the full national minimum wage of £4.92. I would just like some clarification please.
Thank You
Mick Say says
If you have an “apprentice” contract then your pay is correct. If you have a hairdressers contract then you should be paid £4.92 minimum wage. When you first started work you will have signed a contract get a copy of this contract and see what it says. If it not a “deed of apprenticeship” then you should be getting paid the full minimum wage rate for your age, which is currently £4.92
Laura says
I am 18 and doing my apprenticeship. I dont get an hourly wage I just get paid £100 pound a week, I find it hard living off of that should I be getting paid more?
Mick Say says
Providing that you are not working more than 8 hours per day (5 days) then this is acceptable whilst you are an apprentice. Read all of this blog to learn when you should expect to be paid more.
paige says
hi, i have recently qualified at nvq level 2 in hairdressing and have recently turned 19, i have been at the same salon for a year and a half now, but i am still getting paid a junior wage at just £100 pounds per week, is this ok? r should i be recieving more? please help!! x
Mick Say says
Hi – Most Salon apprenticeships run on a two years contract. If this is the case with you then you have six months before your current contract expires. Please refer back to your contract or “Deed of Apprenticeship” Not knowing your salon of personal details the fact that you have qualified six months early could be a great testament to your salon management.
* The Minimum Wage for apprentices under 19 years of age is: £2.50 per hour.
* The Minimum Wage for apprentices over 19 but in their first year as an apprentice is £2.50 per hour
* The Minimum wage for apprentices over 19 but in their second year as an apprentice is £4.92 per hour
Current NMW rates
There are different levels of National Minimum Wage, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates are:
* £5.93 – the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
* £4.92 – the 18-20 rate
* £3.64 – the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
* £2.50 – the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
The age at which you become entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1 October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.
frankie says
hi
i am currently doing a hairdressing appentiship, i have qualified and am now in my 3rd year. i have been working in a salon since i left school and from then on started my appentership i have recintaly turned 19 in january and am still on £2.00 an hour is this right? and still states on my wadge slip joniour rate under 17. have i been getting paied wrong?
many thanks
Mick Say says
Hi – An apprentice should have a contract the contract is called a “Deed of Apprenticeship” most commonly these contracts run for two years but can run for three. You need to have a look at your contract, if you cannot find it, you will need to ask the salon manager for a copy. If there is no contract and if you are 19 and fully qualified then you should be paid £4.92 per hour (minimum wage) you can of course negotiate for a better wage rate.
See Rates Below:
Current NMW rates
There are different levels of National Minimum Wage, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates are:
* £5.93 – the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
* £4.92 – the 18-20 rate
* £3.64 – the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
* £2.50 – the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
The age at which you become entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1 October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.
kyle says
your good
Beth says
Hi
I am 19 and i was taking in as an apprentice in december a was promised to get sent to college streight away my boss promised the apprentiship and i brought my college kit and i am getting payed 2.40 an hour and i work 39.5 hours a week but since december there has been no sign of me starting college everytime i ask my boss when im starting she claims she doesnt know. Is it right that im gettin paid 2.40 an hour even though im not even doing my apprentaship at the moment?
Mick Say says
Hi Beth.
If you are an apprentice you should have an employment contract called a “Deed of Hairdressing Apprenticeship” this formalizes you as an apprentice. If this is the case and if you are in the first year of your apprenticeship then £2.50 P/H (NOT £2.40 P/H) minimum wage is correct.
If you are an apprentice over the age of 19 in your Second year of training you are entitled to the full minimum wage for your age. IE
Also. In order to organise your apprenticeship your employer must have planned how your training will be carried out, by who and when. You should again, ask your employer when you will be starting college, if he or she say’s they don’t know, ask which collage you will be attending and then contact the collage directly yourself. (This should be a last resort)
Hope this helps – Mick
melanie smith says
i am currently a manager in a hair and beauty salon. i get paid mimimum wage the same as my collegues the price if living had gone up and sometimes i worry about getting to work as the petrol costs had increased. i have always worked i pay a mortgagage bills car insurance etc i think there should be something put in place so that a manager should be on more money then there staff as they are the ones running a team, making sure things go to plan, cashing up every night thats without the responsability of rota;s coming into work on your day off when people phone in sick etc, i eventually would like a family and right now i feel my life is on hold as i dont think it is fair to bring a child into the world when we cant afford it. other people that dont work and have children are better of then us that work every hour that god sends and yet we still get taxed alot. how is this going to get any better for me and those others who have always worked hard does 48 hours a week at work and payes bills. its a joke.
Mick Say says
Hi Mel
Thank you for your comment. I cannot comment on your personal circumstances but in general I do agree that an effective salon manager should be paid more than minimum wage.
In my opinion you have three options.
1. Consider your personal position and effectiveness as a manager:
Has the salon business, (Turnover, Profit, Retention, Client numbers) improved since you took over management of the team?
If yes – You should gather together the figures which demonstrate this growth and ask to meet with the salon owner to negotiate a pay rise commensurate with the increase in business you have achieved.
2. If no – or if you cannot demonstrate substantial growth then possibly you should consider drawing up a strategy for salon business growth, and present this strategy to the salon owner with an agreement that you will earn a commission on the achievement of agreed growth targets.
3. If the Salon Owner is not responsive to your request for a pay review and if you can substantiate your achievements and success as a salon manager you may wish to consider seeking a management position in another salon.
As stated above it is difficult for me to comment more effectively without a deeper understanding of your personal management skills and the salon in which you work.
It is your responsibility as the manager to work with the salon owner to investigate opportunities for business growth and then to ensure that you, your stylists and the salon owner share the success, but also shoulder the responsibility of poor performance. I wish you well in your quest.
Please be positive in your outlook and help motivate the entire salon team.
Best wishes – Mick