Starting from 1 April 2025, workers across the UK will see an increase in both the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW). These increases are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support workers, reduce income inequality, and ensure that workers receive a fair wage for their efforts. In this blog, we’ll break down what these increases mean, how they’ll impact workers, and why they matter.
What is the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the minimum hourly wage that workers aged 21 and over are entitled to receive.
What is the National Minimum Wage?
The National Minimum Wage (NMW), on the other hand, applies to workers under the age of 21. The rates differ depending on the age group to ensure that younger workers receive fair compensation for their work, though typically lower than the National Living Wage for adults.
The Increases from 1 April 2025
The UK government has announced that from 1 April 2025, the NLW and NMW rates will rise significantly. Below are the key details of the new wage structure:
National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over):
- £12.21 per hour (an increase of 6.7% from the current rate of £11.44)
National Minimum Wage (for workers under 21):
- 18-20-year-olds: £10.00 per hour (up from £8.60)
- Under 18-year-olds: £7.55 per hour (up from £6.10)
- Apprentices: £7.55 per hour (up from £6.10)
