National Minimum Wage, NMW
Minimum wage increases 2025
If you are an employer, you should be aware of the minimum wage increase which will happen on 1st April 2025.
Current Rates
The National Minimum Wage and Living wage rates from April 2024 are:
- 21 and over = £11.44
- 18 to 20 = £8.60
- Under 18 = £6.40
- Apprentices= £6.40
New rates
These rates are set to increase in April 2025 to:
- 21 and over = £12.21
- 18 to 20 = £10.00
- Under 18 = £7.55
- Apprentices= £7.55
Who is entitled?
The following workers are examples of who is entitled to the correct minimum wage:
- Part-time
- Casual labourers
- Foreign workers
- Agency workers
- Apprentices can only be paid the apprentice rate if they are under 19 or over 19 in their first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices over 19 are entitled to the correct minimum wage for their age.
The following are exampled of workers not entitled to minimum wage:
- Self-employed workers
- Company directors
- Volunteers
- Family members of employer living in the employer’s home
- Students on work experience/placement up to one year.
For more information: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)