National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage - rates and overview

Introduction

Guide

The minimum wage a worker should get depends on their age and if they are an apprentice.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to. The National Living Wage is a higher rate of pay than the National Minimum Wage. Workers get the National Living Wage if they're aged 21 years old or above.

The minimum wage rates will increase from 1 April 2025. See the new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates for 2025-26.

It doesn't matter how small an employer is, they still have to pay the correct minimum wage.

This guide gives you an overview of the minimum wage, the various rates, eligibility, and how to maintain minimum wage payment records. It provides a summary of the key elements of minimum wage and explains your main responsibilities as an employer to pay the correct rate of minimum wage.

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