What Are the National Minimum Wage Rates?

Last updated May 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.

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 National Minimum 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

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

Build Skills + Confidence

Want a big boost in your life and work skills? Sign up to our free online Young Professional programme today!

Young Professional Programme

Get FREE skills training when you sign up. Get support with your personal confidence, positive attitude and coping with change!

Self Belief | Communication | Teamwork | Problem Solving | Self Management

FREE Online Courses

Boost your skills and careers confidence with FREE online courses. Complete them your own pace and get a certificate for your CV! Sign in as a Young Professional to get automatically enrolled.

Get Jobs + Experience

Find Opportunities

Looking for jobs and opportunities near you? Sign in as a Young Professional to see the latest jobs, apprenticeships, grad schemes, CV workshops, career events and early career opportunities in your area!

Latest Careers Help

Be Yourself

Mental Health

Stay Curious

Overcoming Barriers

For Students

Student Guides

For Teachers

Teacher Resources

Teachers - see how to use the Young Professional programme in your school or college, with lots of free teaching resources at your fingertips.