Minimum wage

Statutory minimum wage / living wage levels.

National Minimum Wage rates apply to employees up to the age of 20.

National Living Wage (NLW) rates apply to employees 21 and over.

The Apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19, or 19 and over in the first year of apprenticeship.

Penalties apply to employers who fail to pay minimum wages.

Age	NLW	18-20	16-17	Apprentice
From 1 April 2025	£12.21	£10.00	£7.55	£7.55
From 1 April 2024	£11.44	£8.60	£6.40	£6.40

31 Mar 2026

Government unveils crackdown on late payments

Small businesses are to be backed by new, stronger measures to tackle late payments, the government has announced.

30 Mar 2026

The government has confirmed it will review approved mileage rates for business users ahead of a future Budget.

27 Mar 2026

HMRC is urging families to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) before booking their Easter holiday childcare.