Increases in National Minimum and Living Wage rates

Increases in both the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage have now come into the effect.

The minimum wage applies to workers aged 24 or under; the living wage applies to workers aged 25 and over.

The new hourly rates, effective from 1 April, are:

25 and over       £8.72

21 to 24            £8.20

18 to 20            £6.45

Under 18           £4.55

Apprentice        £4.15

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either aged under 19 or if they’re aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is therefore entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.15.

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship. An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.20.

Please contact Simran Lalli if you would like advice about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of employment law.