Once you start work you'll be paid a wage. There's a minimum wage threshold and the current rates (from 1 October 2011) are:
- £3.68 per hour - the 16-17 rate for workers above the school leaving age, but under 18.
- £4.98 per hour - the 18-20 rate.
- £6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over.
- £2.60 per hour - the apprentice rate for apprentices under 19, or 19+ and in their first year of their apprenticeship.
Visit Directgov for more information or telephone the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.
If you get an Apprenticeship and are employed, you'll be paid a wage that's usually the going rate for the job.
You'll pay Income Tax if you earn over £7475 a year (2011-12 rate), and National Insurance on earnings over £139 per week (2011-12 rate).
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. Go to Weblinx for more useful websites.