Wage rate changes

Employers should note the changes to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates which came into effect on 1 April 2022.

People classed as 'workers' must be at least school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage. They must be 23 or over to get the National Living Wage.

Contracts for payments below the minimum wage are not legally binding. The worker is still entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

Workers are also entitled to the correct minimum wage if they are:

• part-time
• casual labourers, for example someone hired for one day
• agency workers
• workers and homeworkers paid by the number of items they make
• apprentices
• trainees, workers on probation
• disabled workers
• agricultural workers
• foreign workers
• seafarers
• offshore workers.

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either:

• under 19
• 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Apprentices over 19 who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the correct minimum wage for their age.

There is a wide range of workers who are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage and this list includes:

• self-employed people running their own business
• company directors
• people who are volunteers or voluntary workers
• workers on a government employment programme, such as the Work Programme
• members of the armed forces.

A person must be at least:

• school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
• aged 23 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under.

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.

Contact us if you would like to discuss any employment matter.