National Minimum Wage from 1 April 2023
Understanding Your Business
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The National Minimum Wage will increase from 1 April 2023. The higher rate, known as the National Living Wage will be £10.42/hour.
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 terms are often interchangeable, however the correct definitions are as follows:
The National Living Wage is only applicable to those aged 23 and over (from April 2021 – previously those aged 25 and over). It relates to the rate of £10.42/hour (£9.50/hour for 2022/23; £8.91/hour for 2021/22; £8.72/hour for 2020/21).
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 (from April 2021) are all National Minimum Wage rates.
Who qualifies for the National Living Wage?
From April 2021 the qualifying criteria was extended to 23 and 24 year olds. Before April 2021, this was only applicable to those aged 25 years or older.
What are the National Minimum Wage amounts for the other age groups?
From 1 April 2023 the hourly rates are as follows:
What is the minimum hourly rate for apprentices?
From April 2021 the apprenticeship rate is £5.28/hour (was £4.81/hour for 2022/23; £4.30/hour for 2021/22).
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.
Does everyone qualify for the National Minimum Wage?
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)
If you have any questions on these increases and to see if it affects your business, please get in touch.
