Workers could be paid using two different minimum wage scales - time rates (i.e. a standard sum per hour) or piece rates (i.e. for the number of items produced). Home workers would be paid on piece rates, whilst factory workers could be paid on either time rates or piece rates. The Trade Board assessed the standard working week to be 48 hours, with a maximum of 5 hours to be normally worked on Saturdays.

Time rates varied according to age and experience. The rates reproduced below relate to men over 22, younger workers were subject to lower minimum rates of pay.

Minimum time rates:

Female workers:

Workers other than homeworkers:

From 4 Jul 1921: £1 & 12 shillings a week (48 hours) = 8 pence per hour; £83 4s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)

Homeworkers:

From 4 Jul 1921: £1 & 12 shillings a week (48 hours) = 8 pence per hour; £83 4s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)

Male workers:

Workers aged 22 and over (excepting dyers in the feather trade):

From 4 Jul 1921: £2 & 16 shillings a week (48 hours) = 1 shilling & 2 pence per hour; £145 12s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)

Minimum piece rates:

Female workers:

Workers other than homeworkers:

From 4 Jul 1921: £1 & 16 shillings a week (48 hours) = 9 pence per hour; £93 12s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)

Homeworkers:

From 4 Jul 1921: £1 & 16 shillings a week (48 hours) = 9 pence per hour; £93 12s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)

Male workers:

Workers aged 22 and over (excepting dyers in the feather trade):

From 4 Jul 1921: £3 & 2 shillings a week (48 hours) = 1 shilling & 3½ pence per hour; £161 4s a year (if all 52 weeks a year were worked)