The Government has announced a series of changes to the national minimum wage, increasing the rates for all workers and giving 21-year-old workers entitlement to the full National Living Wage for the first time. These changes will take effect on 1 April 2024.
Currently, only those aged 23 and older are entitled to the full National Living Wage of £10.42 per hour, with workers in other age groups entitled to a National Minimum Wage at different rates – £10.18 for 21–22 year olds, £7.49 for 18-20 year olds, and £5.28 for 16-17 year olds. From 1 April 2024 the National Minimum Wage band for 21–22 year olds will be abolished, with all employees aged 21 and over entitled to an increased National Living Wage of £11.44.
Firms employing young people, including potentially internship schemes, should review their remuneration policies to ensure that they comply. This is particularly important for those employing 21-year-olds, who for the first time will be eligible for the full National Living Wage.
| National Minimum Wage rate per hour from 1 April 2024 | Increase in pence | Percentage increase | |
| National Living Wage (21 and over) | £11.44 | £1.02 (vs previous rate for 23-year-olds) £1.26 (vs previous rate for 21–22-year-olds) | 9.8% (vs previous rate for 23-year-olds) 12.38% (vs previous rate for 21-22-year-olds) |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £8.60 | £1.11 | 14.8% |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £6.40 | £1.12 | 21.2% |
| Apprentice Rate | £6.40 | £1.12 | 21.2% |
For more information on the changes to the National Minimum and Living wage, please click here.
Thank you to Tor Walberg for his help in drafting this blog post.