If you’re working in the UK, you may see changes in your pay slip.
The national minimum wage has been raised to £11.44 per hour, benefiting approximately 2 million people in the biggest wage hike in a decade.
Details of the minimum wage:
- 21 and over: £11.44/hour
- 18-20: £8.60/hour
- Under 18: £6.40/hour
- Apprentices: £6.40/hour
Full-time adults paid the minimum wage will see their annual earnings rise by £1,800.
If you’re 21 this year, you’ll see an extra £2,300 annually.
Who won’t benefit:
The national minimum wage generally applies to most workers, except for the following:
- Self-employment
- Company director
- Volunteer
- Members of the armed forces
- People who live and work in religious communities
- Convict
What happens if employers don’t pay the national minimum wage?
In the UK, failing to pay employees the correct national minimum wage or living wage is a criminal offense.
Employers should ensure that regardless of whether employees are paid by the hour or not, they meet the annual minimum wage rates.
If you suspect your employer isn’t meeting the national minimum wage, you can report it directly to HMRC.
Additionally, employers who underpay will face fines from HMRC.
What is the Living Wage?
The Living Wage is the only wage standard in the UK based on the cost of living.
Over ten thousand employees from well-known businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises across the UK are currently enjoying the Living Wage.
The current Living Wage rates are £12 per hour for employees aged 18 and over across the UK and £13.15 per hour for employees in London, aimed at easing the financial pressures of living in the capital.
