Millions of people earning minimum wage are getting a pay rise today.
The government announced in November that it would increase both the national minimum wage and national living wage in a bid to ensure people on lower incomes are “properly rewarded” for their work.
The living wage, for eligible workers aged 21 and over, has risen by 4.1% to £12.71 an hour.
For a full-time worker over the age of 21, that means a pay increase of £900 a year.
The national minimum wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour. For 16 to 17-year-olds, and those on apprenticeships, the increase will be 6%, to £8 an hour.
If you’re 18 to 20, there’ll be an annual earnings increase of £1,500 for a full-time worker, which the government said marks further progress towards its goal of phasing out 18 to 20 wage bands and establishing a single adult rate.
Who is entitled to minimum wage?
People classed as “workers” who are of school leaving age (usually 16) or older can get the minimum wage – including those who are part-time, agency workers or casual labourers.
Apprentices will get a specific apprentice rate if they are under 19, or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that they are entitled to the regular minimum or living wage depending on their age.
Certain people aren’t entitled to minimum wage – including self-employed people, members of the armed forces or workers younger than the school leaving age. The full list can be found here.
Workers aged 21 and over are legally entitled to the national living wage, after the age threshold for the highest rate was lowered from 23 in 2024.
We previously explored what can happen if your boss doesn’t give your pay a boost…
