The minimum hourly rates have increased across all age brackets and for apprentices: 

Note: The National Living Wage (NLW) now applies to all workers aged 21 and over, down from the previous threshold of 23 and over. 

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice minimum wage if they are: 

• Aged under 19, or 

• Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. 

Those aged 19+ and beyond the first year must receive the full minimum wage for their age group. 

Businesses must: 

• Ensure pay meets or exceeds the new minimum rates. 

• Audit contracts and payroll systems for compliance. 

• Separate holiday pay from base pay when calculating hourly rates (to avoid falling below thresholds). 

The following groups remain entitled to the NMW, assuming they meet the qualifying conditions: 

• Employees and most workers, including part-time and casual staff. 

• Freelancers and contractors, if they are deemed workers under employment law. 

• Apprentices (as outlined above). 

Note: Genuinely self-employed individuals and volunteers are still excluded from NMW entitlement. 

No further minimum wage reforms are currently pending implementation. However, businesses should monitor future announcements from HMRC regarding: 

• Alignment of rates across all worker categories. 

• Potential annual increases tied to cost-of-living metrics. 

For more information, or to check pay calculations: 

• Visit the NMW and Living Wage Calculator 

• Review employment status on GOV.UK 

Note: This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.