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.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.