Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many second year apprentices aged 19 are earning the national minimum wage in the most recent period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Apprentices aged 19 or above and in their second year are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.

The Apprenticeship Pay Survey^[1] is the most detailed source of information on apprentice pay. The latest survey carried out in 2014 estimated that 73% of second year^[2] apprentices aged 19 or above are earning the National Minimum Wage.

Anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it. We are committed to improving compliance with the National Minimum Wage and in particular for apprentices.

Employers and workers can access further guidance by contacting the Acas Helpline online at: www.acas.org.uk/helplineonline or by phone on 0300 123 1100.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-pay-survey-2014

[2] Apprentices who have been undertaking an apprenticeship for one or more years.