National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
The UK has both a National Minimum Wage and a National Living Wage, which rate applies will depend on the circumstances of the employee.
Employees must be at least school leaving age to qualify for the National Minimum Wage.
Rates effective April 2025
The hourly rates effective April 2025 are:
National Living Wage £12.21 per hour
18-20 Year Old Rate £10.00 per hour
Under 18 Old Rate £7.55 per hour
Apprentice Rate: £7.55 per hour
Real Living Wage
There is also a voluntary scheme called the "Real Living Wage" which is set by The Living Wage Foundation / Citizens UK at different rates to those required by the government. Details at: www.livingwage.org.uk/what-real-living-wage
For clarity, the "National Living Wage" is a legal requirement, the "Real Living Wage" is a voluntary scheme that some employers opt to use.
