The hourly rate for the minimum wages depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to by law. The National Living Wage (NLW) is higher than the NMW – workers get it if they’re over 25. The government’s NLW was introduced in on 1 April 2016.
You must be at least:
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can take employers to court for not paying the NMW and NLW.
Workers are entitled to the correct minimum wage if they’re:
workers and homeworkers paid by the number of items they make
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentices rate if they are either:
Apprentices over 19 who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to correct minimum wage for their age.
Exemptions
The following types of workers are not the NMW/NLW:
Work experience and internships
You won’t get the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage if you’re:
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentices |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current Rate | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
From April 2017 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
Penalties for failure to comply with the NMW/NLW rules
If HMRC finds that an employer hasn’t paid at least the NMW, they can send a notice of arrears plus a penalty for not paying the correct rate of pay to the worker.
The penalty for failing to comply with the NLW will be 200% of the amount owed, unless the arrears are paid within 14 days.
The maximum fine for the non-payment of NLW will be £20,000 per worker. However, employers who fail to pay will be banned from being a company director for up to 15 years.