Increases to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

Increases to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations to significantly increase the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates from 1st April 2024.

Age Limit Changed

Currently the National Living Wage applies to all workers aged 23 and over, but from the 1st April 2024 the age limit will be reduced and instead it will apply to all workers aged 21 and over.

From 1st April 2024

The annual increases to the minimum wage and national living wage with effect from 1st April 2024 are as follows:

•  21 and over by 9.8% from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour
•  18- to 20-year-olds by 14.8% from £7.49 to £8.60 per hour
•  16- to 17-year-olds and apprentices by 21.2% from £5.28 to £6.40 per hour

The accommodation offset will be £9.99 per day (an increase of 9.8%).

The first time it has increased by more than £1

This will be the largest ever increase in the minimum wage in cash terms and the first time it has increased by more than £1. The size of this increase is driven by the strength of pay growth across the economy, which is forecast to continue into next year.

If you need guidance or advice on this matter or any other HR or employment law matter, please call Practical HR on 01702 216573 or email [email protected]