The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for workers under the age of 25 and apprentices has increased by between 3% and 4.7%, with employers having to implement the new rates from 1 October
For 21-24 and 18-20 year olds the wage has increased by 25p to £6.95 and £5.55.
The under 18 rate has risen by 13p to £4.00 and the rate for apprentices has increased by 10p to £3.40.
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either aged under 19 or aged over 19 but in the first year of their apprenticeship. After they have completed their first year they are entitled to the NMW for their age.
The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 25 years and above, which is currently set at £7.20 and was introduced in April 2016.
NMW rates change every October and NLW rates change every April.
NMW rates
| NMW: age/status | Previous rate | Current rate | Increase |
| 21 to 24 | £6.70 | £6.95 | 3.70% |
| 18 to 20 | £5.30 | £5.55 | 4.70% |
| 16 to 17 | £3.87 | £4.00 | 3.40% |
| Apprentices | £3.30 | £3.40 | 3.00% |
Details on the NMW rates are available here.
Guidance on how to calculate the minimum wage is available here.
Minimum wage calculate for workers is available here.
