National Minimum Wage: New 2024/25 Rates

As confirmed late last year, the government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations on the raising of both National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) rates, which will take effect from 1 April 2024.

With that just a month away, we’ve highlighted the changes and the new 2024/25 rates below.

New rates

What makes the new rates stand out is the age amendment for the NLW rate. In previous years this has been for ages 23 and over, however, it has now been reduced to 21 and over.

Apprenticeship rates

It’s important to be aware that apprenticeship rates apply to actual apprentices only, who are either under a statutory apprenticeship agreement or a contract of apprenticeship. You can’t merely call an employee an apprentice and apply the apprentice rate to them.

Apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage for all time worked which includes training and study time. Where the apprentice is aged 19 or over, and have completed their first year, the must be paid the appropriate NMW/NLW for their age.

If you would like to know more about the NLW or NWM and be sure that you’re paying your employees correctly, please get in touch with our team of payroll specialists on 0161 727 1213.