National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
Statutory Rates from 1 April 2020
The National Living Wage for workers aged 25 and over will rise from £8.21 to £8.72 per hour. Rates for younger employees will also increase:
- £8.20 for those aged 21 to 24
- £6.45 for those aged 18 to 20
- £4.55 for under-18s (no longer of compulsory school age)
- £4.15 for apprentices
The proposed new rate for statutory maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay is £151.20, increasing from £148.68. This takes effect on the first Sunday in April (5 April 2020).
The statutory sick pay rate will rise to £95.85 from 6 April 2020 (up from £94.25).
Who Qualifies?
You must be at least school leaving age to earn the National Minimum Wage. Workers aged 25 and over receive the National Living Wage; younger workers receive age-appropriate minimum rates.
Current Hourly Rates (from April 2019 to March 2020)
| Age Group | Rate |
|---|---|
| 25 and over | £8.21 |
| 21 to 24 | £7.70 |
| 18 to 20 | £6.15 |
| Under 18 | £4.35 |
| Apprentice | £3.90 |
For full details of the new April 2020 rates, visit our National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage guide.
Apprentice Entitlements
An apprentice is entitled to the apprentice rate (£4.15) if they are under 19, or 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship. After year one, apprentices aged 19+ receive the age-appropriate rate (e.g., £7.70 for 21–24).
Example: A 22-year-old in year one gets at least £4.15; the same apprentice after year one earns £7.70.
Previous Rates (2016–2019)
| Period | 25+ (£) | 21–24 (£) | 18–20 (£) | Under 18 (£) | Apprentice (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2018–Mar 2019 | 7.83 | 7.38 | 5.90 | 4.20 | 3.70 |
| Apr 2017–Mar 2018 | 7.50 | 7.05 | 5.60 | 4.05 | 3.50 |
| Oct 2016–Mar 2017 | 7.20 | 6.95 | 5.55 | 4.00 | 3.40 |
| Apr 2016–Sep 2016 | 7.20 | 6.70 | 5.30 | 3.87 | 3.30 |
Before April 2016
| Year | 21+ (£) | 18–20 (£) | Under 18 (£) | Apprentice (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6.70 | 5.30 | 3.87 | 3.30 |
| 2014 | 6.50 | 5.13 | 3.79 | 2.73 |
| 2013 | 6.31 | 5.03 | 3.72 | 2.68 |
| 2012 | 6.19 | 4.98 | 3.68 | 2.65 |
Need Help?
Check who qualifies at Who Gets the Minimum Wage and use the Minimum Wage Calculator. If you believe you’re not receiving your entitlement, contact WEU.
Explore more on our site: Comprehensive Guide to Living Wage
workersofengland.co.uk | Independent Workers Trade Union