Introduced on April 1st 2016, the National Living Wage marked a significant change in how workers in the UK are paid. As of April 1st 2025, updated rates have come into effect, impacting millions of employees across various sectors.

Whether you’re starting a new job, reviewing your pay, or simply ensuring you’re being compensated fairly, here’s what you need to know about the National Living Wage, including who qualifies, how it compares to the National Minimum Wage, and what exemptions apply.

What Is the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage is the legally mandated minimum hourly pay rate for workers aged 21 and over. As of April 2025, this rate stands at £12.21 per hour. It applies to most employees, including agency workers, casual labourers, agricultural workers, and apprentices who meet certain criteria.

Importantly, for the purposes of the National Living Wage, there is no distinction between “employees” and “workers” both are entitled to the same rate.

Apprentices and Eligibility
Apprentices qualify for the National Living Wage only if they are aged 21 and over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship. Those under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, which is currently £7.55 per hour.

National Living Wage vs. National Minimum Wage
While the National Living Wage applies to those aged 21 and above, the National Minimum Wage covers younger workers and apprentices. Here are the rates from April 2025:

These figures are reviewed and updated annually, so it’s essential to stay informed.

Who Is Exempt from the National Living Wage?
Not everyone is entitled to receive the National Living Wage. Exemptions include:

To be eligible for the National Minimum Wage, you must be at least of school leaving age, which means you’ve turned 16 by the last Friday in June of the school year.

How to Check If You’re Being Paid Correctly
Both the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage are calculated on an hourly basis, assessed over your pay reference period typically weekly or monthly, depending on how often you are paid.

To ensure you’re receiving the correct amount, divide your total pay by the number of hours worked in the pay reference period. If your hourly average falls below the legal minimum for your age group, your employer may be underpaying you.

You can use the official minimum wage calculator on gov.uk to confirm you’re being paid correctly.

Final Thoughts
The National Living Wage plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair pay. Staying informed about the latest rates and regulations helps you advocate for yourself or your employees more effectively.

This article is intended as a general guide. For the most accurate and personalised information, always refer to the latest updates from official government sources.

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