National Minimum Wage Rates Changed on October 1

Important update: On 1 October, the National Minimum Wage rates were revised. Employers and payroll teams must ensure they’re paying the correct rates to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties.

Use our free NMW calculator to check your payments.

Introducing the National Living Wage

From April 2016, a new National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour will apply to workers aged 25 and over. This higher rate aims to boost incomes for older workers and reflect the true cost of living.

Learn more about the National Living Wage and its implementation.

Acas Guidance and Tools

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) offers practical tools and guidance to help employers manage pay and compliance:

• National Minimum Wage changes
• Step-by-step guide on handling pay and wages
• Calculating holiday pay
• Pay deductions advice

Contracts and Written Statements

Contracts are more than just pay—they underpin the employer-employee relationship. Many Employment Tribunal claims stem from unclear or missing contract terms.

• A contract can begin once a verbal job offer is accepted.
• Written statements of terms and conditions must be provided within two months of employment.

Explore these Acas resources:

• Contracts of employment guidance
• The new employee’s contract: Step-by-step guide
• Advice leaflet – varying a contract
• Contracts & Written Statements eLearning
• Written Statement of Employment template
• Hiring staff template form
• Acas training – contracts and terms

Stewart Gee, Acas Head of Guidance: “Employers should give new employees clear terms and conditions as early as possible and encourage them to ask questions to avoid misunderstandings.”

Further Workplace Advice and Guidance

Stay informed with these additional Acas guides:

• Discipline and grievances at work: The Acas guide
• Promoting positive mental health
• Managing performance

Recently launched guides:

• Recruiting staff
• Starting staff: induction
• New pay and wages guide
• Equality and discrimination basics
• Prevent discrimination: support equality
• Discrimination: what to do if it happens