The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates vary depending on the age of your employees. The rates change each April.
From 1 April 2022, you’ll get NLW if you’re aged 23 and over.
- Age 23 and over (NLW): £9.50
- Age 21 – 22: £9.18
- Age 18 – 20: £6.83
- Under 18: £4.81
- Apprentice: £4.81*
Who receives the National Minimum Wage?*If under 19 or in first year of apprenticeship (otherwise refer to age bands). The apprenticeship rate does not apply to Higher Level Apprenticeships.
Employees must be at least school leaving age to qualify for the National Minimum Wage.
Who receives the National Living Wage?
All employees age 23 and over are entitled to receive this rate from April 2021.
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.