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What is the national minimum wage and national living wage?

On 1st April 2018 both the National Minimum wage and National Living Wage are set to increase, including the largest increases in a decade for the rates that apply to 18-20 and 21 – 24 year olds.

More employers than ever will be directly affected by the increases to the minimum wage, so even if you currently pay above the minimum it’s important to check that you are still meeting your responsibilities as an employer.

You must be at least:

  • school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
  • aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under

Current rates

The rates change every April, and below are the current rates as well as the rates from 1st April 2018:

Year 25 and over 21 to 24 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice
April 2017 (current) £7.50 £7.05 £5.60 £4.05 £3.50
April 2018 £7.83 £7.38 £5.90 £4.20 £3.70

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

  • aged under 19
  • aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £3.50

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:

  • are aged 19 or over
  • have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £7.05

To check that you are paying or being paid the minimum wage, use the HMRC calculator here.