evidence: In their 2016 Assembly Election Manifesto, the SDLP claims that in 2015 nearly 1% of people in Northern Ireland earned less than the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This statistic can be found in a press release published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) on 18 November 2015, where they state that "0.9% of jobs were paid below the National Minimum Wage in 2015." This rate is relatively on par with the rest of the UK, where that rate stood at 0.8% that year. [...] First of all, it is important to note that the same NMW does not apply to everyone. The deciding factor is age, with those over 21, between 18 – 21, and 16 – 17 having a guaranteed wage of £6.70, £5.30, and £3.87 per hour respectively. Apprentices under 19, or over 19 but in the first year of their program, are only guaranteed £3.30 per hour. There are many who remain exempt, particularly those who are self-employed, or are the directors of a company. People living and working in a religious community, share fishermen, and prisoners are among the other categories of individuals who do not fall under the NMW regulations. [...] The NIESR report concluded that women and younger workers are most likely to be underpaid. Apprentices have been singled out as the biggest single group that is most at risk, and consequently is in the greatest need of protection.