Employers must be aware that the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increase from 1 April 2021.
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on an individual’s age and whether they are an apprentice.
Currently, individuals must be school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage, aged 25 to get the National Living Wage. However, from 1 April 2021 the National Living Wage will apply to those aged 23 and over.
It’s a different matter when it comes to apprentices. Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Although, apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.
The current National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
The National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates from 1 April 2021
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
Find out more about the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage on nidirect.
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