Exact date millions of workers will get pay rise this year – see how much your wages will rise by
Millions of workers will get a pay boost from this April as the minimum wage is due to rise.
The minimum wage is how much your employer has to pay you by law, depending on your age. The minimum wage for workers above the age of 21 is known as the National Living Wage, while anyone under the age of 21 is paid the National Minimum Wage.
In her Autumn Budget last October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed minimum wage will rise by 6.7% from this April. The Government estimates this will give a full-time worker earning the main minimum wage an extra £1,400 a year. The minimum wage will increase to the following rates from this April:
- 21 and over: £11.44 an hour to £12.21 an hour
- 18 to 20: £8.60 an hour to £10 an hour
- Under 18: £6.40 an hour to £7.55 an hour
- Apprentice: £6.40 an hour to £7.55 an hour
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It is worth noting that not everyone is entitled to the minimum wage, including those who are self-employed, volunteers and company directors. Many companies actually pay their workers more than the minimum wage, while some companies are signed up to the Real Living Wage, which is a voluntary pay that is based on the cost of living.
It is higher than the statutory minimum wage, and applies to all workers over the age of 18 who are employed by a company that is signed up to the Real Living Wage scheme. More than 15,000 employers pay the Real Living Wage, including Aviva, Everton FC, Ikea, Burberry and Lush. The Real Living Wage is rising to £12.60 an hour outside London, and £13.85 an hour inside London. Employers must implement these new rates by May 2025.
How to check if you’ve been underpaid
If you suspect you’ve been underpaid, go through your payslips and work out your hourly rate. If it looks like you haven't been paid at least the minimum wage, talk to your employer to give them the chance to fix the issue. If this doesn't work, you can complain to HMRC via GOV.UK.
HMRC will investigate and if your employer does not pay you the money you're owed, they can be fined by HMRC for not paying the minimum wage. HMRC can also take them to court on behalf of the worker if the employer still refuses to pay. You can also complain to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) pay and work rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 if you've been underpaid.
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