National Living and Minimum Wage

Anyone who is employed as an employee or worker must get the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

  • National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 23 or over
  • National Minimum Wage (NMW) for employees under 23 or an apprentice

This is whether they are:

  • full time
  • part time
  • doing training essential for the job
  • working in a small or ‘start-up’ business

Current rates from 1st April 2024:

  • Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
£11.44 (up from £10.42)
  • Age 18 to 20
£8.60 (up from £7.49)
  • Under 18
£6.40 (up from £5.28)
  • Apprentice
£6.40 (up from £5.28)

To avoid an unwelcome letter from HMRC and a potentially tainted reputation, you should take the time to update your payroll in advance of April’s changes. Remember to check that any pay deductions for uniforms or equipment don’t tip your staff below the National Minimum Wage.