Money is what makes the world go around, and to get money you need to work. Below is a brief overview of wages, and how much you should expect to get depending on how old you are.

If you are younger than 16yrs old you will need a work permit before you start working. You can grab one of these from your local education welfare office. You should be able to find your nearest one through your local council's website. Make sure to take note guys and gals: the national minimum wage does not apply if you're under 16yrs old. When taking a part-time job make sure you understand how much your employer will be offering you for the work before accepting. The last thing you want to do is work for next to nothing - what's the point?

Those who are 16 and over and have left school are legally entitled to a national minimum hourly wage. It does not matter where they work, the size of the firm, the type of work, or whether it's based in the public or private sector. There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates (from 1 October 2012) are:

• £6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over


• £4.98 - the 18-20 rate


• £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18


• £2.65 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

If you are of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW. Some of your other employment rights are also different.

Past NMW rates can be viewed on the Low Pay Commission website.

If your employer isn't paying you the minimum wage, you can seek help or register a complaint with the powers that be through the links below. Bookmark ‘em, you never know when they might come in handy.

• Pay & Work Rights Complaint Form


• Pay and Work Rights Helpline