UK Minimum Wage Increase Guide
Understand your legal pay rights. Check the latest National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates, eligibility rules, and use our free pay checker tool.
Check Your Minimum Wage
Enter your age group and hourly pay rate below to instantly see if you are being paid at least the legal minimum wage, and calculate any potential shortfall.
Minimum Wage Checker
Verify your hourly rate against current UK legal standards
Wage Law Quick Facts
Essential rules every worker and employer must know
Understanding Your Entitlement
Determining your correct minimum wage rate depends primarily on your age and your apprenticeship status. Here is how to verify your entitlement.
Determine Your Age Bracket
Your entitlement is based on your age on the first day of the pay period. The rates change on your 18th, 21st, and 25th birthdays.
Check Apprentice Status
If you are an apprentice, you qualify for the Apprentice Rate only if you are under 19, or if you are 19 or over but in the first year of your apprenticeship. After year one, you get the rate for your age.
Calculate Average Hourly Rate
Divide your total gross pay for the pay period by the total number of hours worked (including required travel and training time). This is your average hourly rate.
Compare and Take Action
If your average hourly rate is below the legal threshold for your age, speak to your employer. If unresolved, report the underpayment to HMRC via the Acas helpline.
Latest Wage Rates
The current statutory minimum wage rates per hour in the UK. Rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and typically update every April.
| Age Group / Status | Rate Type | Current Hourly Rate | Monthly (37.5 hrs/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over | National Living Wage (NLW) | £12.21 | £1,915.31 |
| 18 to 20 years old | National Minimum Wage (NMW) | £10.00 | £1,568.75 |
| Under 18 | National Minimum Wage (NMW) | £7.55 | £1,184.06 |
| Apprentice (Under 19 or 1st Year) | Apprentice Rate | £7.55 | £1,184.06 |
Minimum Wage FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about UK wage laws and entitlements.
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the highest rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and applies to workers aged 21 and over. The NMW applies to workers of compulsory school age up to age 20, with different rates for different age brackets.
No. Overtime hours, bonuses, commissions, and allowances (like London weighting) cannot be used to bring your average hourly rate up to the minimum wage. The base pay for standard hours worked must meet the threshold independently.
You should first raise the issue with your employer or HR department. If unresolved, you can report your employer anonymously to HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs), who will investigate and can force the employer to pay arrears and face significant fines.
Yes, but there is a specific ‘Apprentice Rate’ which is lower than the standard NMW. This applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, they are entitled to the standard rate for their age.