Last updated November 2024.
We regularly update this article so you can always find the most up-to-date information on changes to the national minimum wage.
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1st April every year. 2025 data has been updated based on the Labour budget announcement.
April 2025
| Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) | Age 18 to 20 | 16-17 | Apprentice |
| £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
Current Wage Rate April 2024
| Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) | Age 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
Wage Rates for April 2023
| 23 and Over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 & Apprentice |
| £10.42 | £10.18 | £7.49 | £5.28 |
Minimum Wage and Living Wage Calculator
You can use the minimum wage calculator to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.
Our young members tell us that low wages are a barrier for some of them when looking for work. Some young people find themselves in situations where they cannot afford to take the minimum apprenticeship wage as things such as travel costs would mean they were worse off.
What to do if you think your wages are wrong
Contact Acas if you’re not getting the wage and think you should be.
Why Employers Work with us
Fair Employment is one of the key principles of our employer membership and calls on organisations to consider removing barriers for young people and ensuring that young people are fairly rewarded for the work they do. Employers who do seek to pay over the minimum wage for apprentices see a greater return and lower attrition rates.
Talk to us today and learn how we can help you to review your youth engagement and employment strategy. 01536 513388. info@youthemployment.org.uk
HMRC Guidance for Employers
Previous Rates
Wage Rates Apr 2022 to Mar 2023
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 21 to 22 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
Wage Rates April 2021 to Mar 2022
| 23 and Over | 21 to 22 | 21 to 22 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
Wage Rates April 2020 to March 2021
| 23 and Over | 21 to 22 | 21 to 22 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
| Old Wage Rates | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| Oct 2016 to Mar 2017 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| Apr 2016 to Sep 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
