How much per hour is the National Living Wage?

From April 2023 the new rate is £10.42 per hour. The rate is currently £9.50 (2022/23 tax year)

Who qualifies for the National Living Wage?

In April 2021 the qualifying age was raised to those aged 23 years old and over. This will remain the same in the next tax year 2023/24.

NOTE: Prior to April 2021 the qualifying age was 25 years old and over.

What are the National Minimum Wage amounts for the other age groups?

From April 2023 the hourly rates are as follows:

21 to 22 year olds must receive a minimum of £10.18 per hour. The current rate is £9.18 per hour
18 to 20 year olds must receive a minimum of £7.49 per hour. The current rate is £6.83 per hour
Under 18s must receive a minimum of £5.28 per hour. The current rate is £4.81 per hour

What is the minimum hourly rate for apprentices?

From April 2023 the apprenticeship rate is £5.28 per hour. The current rate is £4.81 per hour.

The apprenticeship rate is applicable for those on an apprenticeship aged under 19 years of age or if they are in their first year of the apprenticeship.

What are the minimum hourly rates for employees?

Below is a summary of the new rates applicable from April 2023:

£10.42 for 23 years old and over
£10.18 for 21-22 years old
£7.49 for 18-20 years old
£5.28 for under 18s
£5.28 apprenticeship rate

From what date do the new rates apply?

The new rates for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage are applicable from 1st April 2023.

Does everyone qualify for the National Minimum Wage?

No. Not everyone is entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage.

The main individuals who are exempt are the following:

Self-employed individuals,
Company Directors,
Volunteers,
Students on work placements
Workers younger than school leaving age (i.e Usually 16)

What is the National Living Wage?

You may have heard of the National Living Wage and wonder how this differs to the National Minimum Wage.

The National Living Wage is only applicable to those aged 23 and over. It relates to the rate of £10.42 per hour from April 2023.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum amount payable to all of the other workers. As a result, the rates for those aged 22 and under are all National Minimum Wage rates.