The New Rates
From 1st April 2025 the new national minimum wage rates need to be put in to action for employees. These rates are on a per hour basis and need to be applied as a minimum, whether someone is paid on an hourly rate, or on a salaried basis.
National living wage (age 21 and over): £12.21
18 to 20 year olds: £10.00
16 to 17 year olds: £7.55
Apprentice rate: £7.55
The Apprentice Rate
The apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour can be applied if the apprentice is aged under 19, or if they are 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.
If you have an apprentice who is age 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they then need to be paid the national minimum wages for their age.
Who is not entitled to the minimum wage?
There are some circumstances where the minimum wage does not need to be applied, these include: people who are self-employed and running their own business, company directors, voluntary workers or family members of the employer who live in the employers home.