Our website uses cookies to enhance the visitor experience (what's a cookieCookies are small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. They are mainly used as a way of improving the website functionalities or to provide more advanced statistical data.). Are you happy for us to use cookies during your visits?
Please note: continuing without making a choice equates to giving us your consent, which you can withdraw at any time via our cookies policy page.

Call us on 0208 904 2213

NMW and NLW increases take effect

Newsletter issue - April 2019.

New rates for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) (aged 25 and over) apply from 1 April 2019, and employers must ensure that they implement them accordingly. The rates are as follows:

  • 25 and over - £8.21 per hour;
  • 21- to 24-year-olds - £7.70 an hour;
  • 18- to 20-year-olds - £6.15 an hour;
  • under 18s - £4.35 an hour; and
  • Apprentice rate - £3.90 an hour.

All other workers including pieceworkers, home workers, agency workers, commission workers, part-time workers and casual workers must receive at least the NMW.

Severe penalties may be imposed for failure to comply with NMW/NLW obligations. Broadly, the penalty percentage which may be imposed for non-compliance is now 200%. The maximum penalty is a hefty £20,000 per worker, although it may be reduced by 50% if the unpaid wages and the penalty are paid within 14 days.

For further information on the NMW, see the GOV.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.