The biggest-ever increase to the national minimum wage (NMW) came into effect on 1 April 2024; with age eligibility reduced, those aged 21 and over will benefit.
| NMW rate per hour £ | |
| National Living Wage (age 21 and over) | 11.44 |
| 18-20 year olds | 8.60 |
| 16-17 year olds | 6.40 |
| Apprentice rate | 6.40 |
You must ensure that you are paying your employees at least the national minimum wage. National insurance, income tax, pensions etc are allowed to be deducted from the NMW but if your employee has to buy a uniform for work and pay you back you cannot reduce their total pay to an amount below the NMW.
Apprentices aged over 19 years and in the second year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the rate applicable to their age.