Minimum wage increases for 2024
National Minimum wages are set to increase from 1 April 2024 as follows:
| Rate from 1 April 2024 (per hour) | Increase in pence | |
| National living wage
(21 and over) |
£11.44 | £1.02 |
| 18-20 years old | £8.60 | £1.11 |
| 16-17 years old | £6.40 | £1.12 |
| Apprentices* | £6.40 | £1.12 |
These increases demonstrate that the government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in full. The Low Pay Commission is an independent body, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade, that advises the government about the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.
Apprentices*
It is important to be aware that if you are in the first year of your apprenticeship and are 19 years old or over, you will receive the apprentice rate for the first year of your apprenticeship only. You are then entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage according to your age after your first apprenticeship year.
If you are under 19 years old you remain entitled to the apprentice rate.
The Low Pay Commission reports, in its’ Summary of Evidence 2023 Report, widespread support for removing the apprentice rate and we expect to see more commentary on the apprentice rate to come.
Current Rates
| Current rates (per hour) | |
| National living wage
(23 and over) |
£10.42 |
| 21-22 years old | £10.18 |
| 18-20 years old | £7.49 |
| 16-17 years old | £5.28 |
| Apprentice rate* | £5.28 |
National living wage
The Low Pay Commission first recommended in 2019 that the age threshold for the national living wage be lowered. The national living wage has now been reduced from 23 year olds and over to 21 year olds and over in line with this recommendation.
I’m worried I’m being paid less than the minimum statutory rates
You can access a calculator here to check if you’re being paid at least the minimum rates.
What if I have been underpaid?
You should first check your payslips to see if there have been any deductions made to your wages. You should usually first talk to your employer if you have concerns about your pay, who may be able to explain what deductions have been made and why if any and if there has been a mistake, correct this. You can read more about what to do if your employer makes a deduction without your agreement or a lawful reason on our Unpaid Wages page.
How can Ellis Jones help?
If you are owed wages, are having difficulties with your employer, or would like guidance on what you should be paying your employees, contact our Employment Law Advice team on 01202 525333 or by email at employment@ellisjones.co.uk and we would be happy to help.
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
