Minimum Wage Checker

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.21 per hour.
• 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour.
• Under 18: £7.55 per hour.
• Apprentice: £7.55 per hour.

The National Living Wage now applies from age 21 (it was 23 until April 2024). The 16 to 17 and apprentice rates are the same for 2025/26.

The apprentice rate applies if you're under 19, or 19 or over but in the first year of your apprenticeship. Once you turn 19 and complete your first year, you move onto the rate for your age, a common point where employers forget to update pay.

Minimum wage is calculated on your average pay over a reference period. Some things don't count towards it:

• Tips and service charges do not count towards minimum wage.
• Deductions for items required for the job (uniform, tools) can take you below the minimum, which is unlawful.
• Accommodation provided by the employer has a capped daily offset that can count.

A 25-year-old qualifies for the National Living Wage of £12.21. On 37.5 hours a week that's a legal minimum of about £457.88 a week, or roughly £23,810 a year. If they're paid less per hour, the weekly shortfall multiplied across the year is what they're owed.

• Not updating pay on a birthday. Moving age band, especially turning 21, should trigger a pay rise to the higher rate.
• Counting tips towards the minimum. Tips never count; your basic pay alone must meet the minimum wage.
• Unlawful deductions. Charging for uniforms or tools cannot take pay below the legal minimum.
• Ignoring unpaid working time. Pre- and post-shift duties and certain travel are working time and must be paid.