The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates vary depending on the age of your employees, and change each April.

 

Current rates:

  • Age 23 and over (NLW): £10.42
  • 21 to 22: £10.18
  • 18 to 20: £7.49
  • Under 18: £5.28
  • Apprentice: £5.28

From 1 April 2024, you’ll get NLW if you’re aged 21 and over.

  • Age 21 and over (NLW): £11.44
  • Age 18 to 20: £8.60
  • Under 18: £6.40
  • Apprentice: £6.40*

*If under 19 or in first year of apprenticeship (otherwise refer to age bands).

 

Who receives the National Minimum Wage?

Employees must be at least school leaving age to qualify for the National Minimum Wage.

 

Who receives the National Living Wage?

All employees age 24 and over are entitled to receive this rate from April 2024.

Don’t forget, employees who fall under the following categories are also entitled to receive the correct minimum wage

  • part-time staff
  • casual or agency workers
  • workers and homeworkers paid by the number of items they make
  • apprentices
  • trainees, workers on probation
  • disabled workers
  • agricultural workers
  • foreign workers
  • seafarers
  • offshore workers

Apprentice rates vary, also depending on age and where they are in their apprenticeship. The Government website has the latest guidance.

If you’re unsure about wage rates, we can help. Call us for 15 minutes of free HR advice.