A reminder that the Government recently announced updates to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, to take effect from April 2024.
National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over
The National Living Wage (NLW) initially applied only to individuals aged 25 and over. In April 2021, following the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in 2019, the age threshold was lowered to 23. The threshold will be further reduced to 21 from April 2024.
Increases in hourly rates
From 1 April 2024 there will be:
- A £1.02 (or 9.8%) increase to the NLW for those aged 21 and over – from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour
- A £1.11 (or 14.8%) increase to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for those aged 18-20 – from £7.49 to £8.60 per hour
- A £1.12 (or 21.2%), increase to the NMW for those aged 16-17 and apprentices – from £5.28 to £6.40 per hour
The Low Pay Commission attributes the size of these increases to the robust growth in pay across the economy. However, the increases stop short of the voluntary ‘real’ Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation, which is currently £12 across the UK and £13.15 in London.
Implications for employers
Employers who do not pay staff at the appropriate rates not only risk claims from workers but may also be ‘named and shamed’ in a government report. It is important for employers to keep abreast of the increases in pay rates, and in particular the application of the NLW to younger workers aged 21 and over from next April.
Further information
The minimum wage a worker should receive depends upon their age and whether they are an apprentice. The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour for those of at least school leaving age. The National Living Wage was first introduced in April 2016 at 50p above the standard adult rate of the National Minimum Wage. It is now a separate age-related hourly rate.
As explained, the age threshold to receive the National Living Wage is due to be lowered from 23 to 21 years old from April 2024.
For more information and assistance, please contact our Strategic Partner Peninsula Business Services on 0800 051 3637 and quote HCPA for your first advice, free or complete our interest form here.