The rates for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age) will increase on 1 April. The new rates are:
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
| April 2021 (current rate) | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
| April 2022 | £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
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
Example An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.30.
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
Example – An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.36.
A new rate will apply to the next pay reference period that begins on or after the date that:
- a rate increase begins
- an employee reaches a new age bracket.
For example: an employee paid on the 20th of each month will start to receive the new rate of minimum wage from 21 April onwards.
The new minimum wage will be automatically applied to all hourly employees in the next pay period after the rate increase begins. Please take care to ensure that all monthly and salaried employees meet the minimum wage requirement. For more details or any queries please contact our Payroll team payroll@bakertillymm.co.uk