Minimum and living wages
Nearly all workers aged 16 and over are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. This includes part-time workers, fixed-term workers, agency workers, casuals, those on ‘zero-hours’ contracts and homeworkers.
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). Minimum wage rates are reviewed each year, normally in April.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 (current rate) | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
| April 2025 | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
Your basic pay must be equal to or more than the National Minimum Wage, not including tips and gratuities or enhanced rates (e.g. time and a half).
Apprentices
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
For the rate to apply, both the employer and apprentice must have signed a valid Apprenticeship Agreement.
Real living wage
Many good employers will offer a higher basic rate, sometimes called the ‘real living wage’. Each year, this rate is independently calculated, based on what workers and their families need to maintain a decent standard of living. But your employer has no statutory obligation to pay you this rate.
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