Increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage from 1 April 2020

On 1 April 2020 the hourly rates for theNational Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will increase. The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

To qualify 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

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

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

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.

Year25 and over21 to 2418 to 20Under 18Apprentice
April 2019 (current rate)   £8.21    £7.70    £6.15    £4.35    £3.90
April 2020£8.72£8.20£6.45£4.55£4.15

Previous rates

The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April 2016.

Year25 and over21 to 2418 to 20Under 18Apprentice
April 2018 to March 2019£7.83£7.38£5.90£4.20£3.70
April 2017 to March 2018£7.50£7.05£5.60£4.05£3.50
October 2016 to March 2017£7.20£6.95£5.55£4.00£3.40
April 2016 to September 2016 £7.20    £6.70    £5.30    £3.87    £3.30

Who gets the minimum wage

Read the following information from HMRC on who is entitled to the minimum wage.

You can use the minimum wage calculator from HMRC to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.

Contact Acas if you’re not getting the National Minimum Wage and think you should be.