October 6 2016.


The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay per hour most workers are entitled to by law and has been in force since 1999. The rate depends on a worker's age and whether or not they are an apprentice.

The regime was enhanced with the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) on the 1st of April 2016. That scheme set a minimum hourly rate of £7.20 for workers aged 25 and over, and the newly updated NMW has increased the rates for those under the age of 25.

The rates of pay under NMW/NLW law changed on the 1st of October and are now;
• £7.20 per hour - 25 years old and over
• £6.95 per hour - 21-24 years old (increase of £0.25)
• £5.55 per hour 18-20 years old (increase of £0.25)
• £4 per hour - 16-17 years old (increase of £0.13)
• £3.40 for apprentices under 19 or 19 and over who are in the first year of apprenticeship (increase of £0.10)

From 2017, the National Living Wage rate will change every April and the National Minimum Wage, every October.

CLICK HERE for further information.