Does the new minimum wage cover npower volunteers

In the UK, the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) are different rates for different age groups and industries. The NLW is the minimum wage for workers aged 23 and over, while the NMW is the minimum wage for workers under 23.

Npower, as a company, is not a specific industry or sector, but rather a former energy supplier that was acquired by E.ON in 2019. Therefore, the minimum wage rates that apply to Npower volunteers would depend on their age and the type of work they are doing.

As of April 2022, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 23 and over is £9.50 per hour, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for workers under 23 is:

• £6.15 per hour for 18-20 year olds
• £5.28 per hour for 16-17 year olds
• £4.81 per hour for apprentices under 19 or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

If Npower volunteers are doing work that is considered "work" under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, they would be entitled to the NMW rate that applies to their age group. However, if they are doing voluntary work, such as charity work or community service, they would not be entitled to the minimum wage.

It's worth noting that some charities and organizations may choose to pay their volunteers a small stipend or allowance, but this is not mandatory and would depend on the specific organization's policies and funding.