statutory minimum
noun phraseUK /ˌstætʃ.ə.tər.i ˈmɪn.ɪ.məm/
US /ˌstætʃ.ə.tɔːr.i ˈmɪn.ə.məm/
The smallest amount that the law says is allowed.
The statutory minimum wage went up last month.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The lowest price or amount set by official rules for a product or service.
The statutory minimum for alcohol pricing was introduced to protect public health.
3. The least punishment or penalty that a court must give under the law.
The judge had to impose the statutory minimum sentence for the offence.
4. The smallest level of something, such as staffing or safety, that a law requires.
The care home must keep a statutory minimum number of staff on duty at night.