By law, an employer must pay a minimum amount on average for the hours you work. This is called the:
- National Living Wage (NLW) for anyone aged 21 or over
- National Minimum Wage (NMW) for anyone aged under 21 or an apprentice
Someone must be at least of school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage. You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
Employers can choose to pay more than the minimum wage.
Who gets the apprentice rate
An apprentice is entitled to be paid at least the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- under 19
- 19 or over, and in the first year of their current apprenticeship agreement
If they’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of their current apprenticeship, they’re entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage for their age.
National minimum wage rates
| Wage Band | April 2024 | April 2025 |
| Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) | £11.44 | £12.21 |
| Age 18 to 20 | £8.60 | £10.00 |
| Under 18 | £6.40 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice | £6.40 | £7.55 |
More information is on ACAS website.
