Increase of National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage Rates – April 2021
![Increase of National Minimum Wage Apr 2021 Cactus Bookkeeping Scrabble tiles to spell payroll](https://www.cactusbookkeeping.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Increase-of-National-Minimum-Wage-Apr-2021-blog-image.png)
The rates change on 1st April each year and the hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice.
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 23 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under
The National Living Wage has been extended from those aged 25+ to employees aged 23+.
✻ Aged 23 and over will receive 2.2% rise to £8.91 per hour
✻ Those aged 21 to 22 will receive a 2% rise to £8.36 per hour
✻ Those aged 18 to 20 will receive a 1.7% rise to £6.56 per hour
✻ Under 18’s will receive a 1.5% increase to £4.62 per hour
✻ Apprentices will receive a 3.6% rise to £4.30 per hour**
** Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
- Example – An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.30.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
- Example – An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.36.
If you require any further assistance with regard to NMW and/or NLW please book a free discovery call to chat further.
![](https://www.cactusbookkeeping.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sue-haynes-095-copy-150x150.jpg)
ABOUT SUE
Sue Haynes is the founder of Cactus Bookkeeping and helps business owners
with all aspects of Bookkeeping to save them time so they can concentrate on running their
business. Sue is licensed, regulated and supported by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)