The rates for the national minimum wage will increase on 1 April 2020. The national living wage rate, for workers aged 25 and over, will increase from £8.21 to £8.72.
Statutory rates
The rates for younger workers will also increase, with hourly rates rising to £8.20 for workers aged at least 21 but under 25, to £6.45 for workers aged at least 18 but under 21 and to £4.55 for workers aged under 18 who are no longer of compulsory school age. The rate for apprentices will rise to £4.15.
The proposed rate for statutory maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay is £151.20, up from £148.68. The increase normally takes effect on the first Sunday in April, which in 2020 is 5 April. The rate for statutory sick pay is expected to increase on 6 April 2020. The proposed new rate is £95.85, up from £94.25.
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 2019 (current rate) | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
April 2020 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £3.90.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £7.70.
Previous rates
The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April 2016.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 2018 to March 2019 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
April 2017 to March 2018 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
October 2016 to March 2017 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
April 2016 to September 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
Rates before April 2016
The following rates were for the National Minimum Wage before the National Living Wage was introduced. The rates were usually updated every October.
Year | 21 and over | 18 to 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 |
Who gets the minimum wage
Read the information on who is entitled to the minimum wage.
You can use the minimum wage calculator to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.
Contact WEU if you’re not getting the National Minimum Wage and think you should be.