Minimum wage increase – April 1st 2020

An increase to the minimum wage comes into effect from 1st April 2020 the government has announced this week.

The government sets a minimum amount you must get paid on average for the hours you work. This is called the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW) if you’re aged 25 or over. The minimum wage rate varies depending on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

You’re entitled to the apprentice rate if you’re an apprentice aged:

• under 19
• 19 or over, and in the first year of your current apprenticeship agreement

If you’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of your current apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the minimum wage for your age.

Who gets the minimum wage?

Anyone who is employed as an employee or worker must get the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

This is whether they are:

• full time
• part time
• doing training essential for the job
• working in a small or ‘start-up’ business

It also applies to:

• agency workers
• agricultural workers
• apprentices
• casual labourers, for example someone hired for one day
• casual workers
• employees on probation
• foreign workers
• home workers
• offshore workers
• seafarers
• workers paid by commission
• workers paid by the number of items made (piece work)
• zero-hours workers

The only types of work that are not covered are those who are:

• self-employed (by choice)
• a volunteer (by choice)
• a company director
• in the armed forces
• doing work experience as part of a course
• work shadowing
• under school leaving age

If you require any further information about the Minimum Wage please contact us here.