Workers in the UK will enjoy a new minimum wage from £9.50 to £10.42 an hour in April 2023.
The increase to the National Living Wage applies to workers aged 23 and over and will boost the pay of about two million people.
The increase amounts to a 9.7% increase and is aimed at helping workers cope with rising prices and standard of living. However, there are lower rates of pay for younger workers.
What is the new minimum wage?
The minimum wage – known officially as the National Living Wage – varies depending on the age of the employee and it is the same across all parts of the UK.
From 1 April 2023, the increases will be:
- National Living Wage for over-23s: £9.50 to £10.42 an hour
- National Minimum Wage for those aged 21-22: £9.18 to £10.18
- National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds: £6.83 to £7.49
- National Minimum Wage for under-18s: £4.81 to £5.28
- The Apprentice rate: £4.81 to £5.28
The apprentice rate applies to people aged under 19 or people over 19 in the first year of their apprenticeship.
How does this affect employers?
The Law sets out the lowest amount a worker can be paid per hour and
Sectors such as retail, care, and hospitality account for a large number of minimum-wage jobs, although they are found in many other parts of the economy too.
Must employers adhere to the new increase?
Any employer not paying the minimum wage can be fined by the UK tax authority, HMRC.
How are employees protected?
If you think you should be getting the minimum wage but you are not, we can help you.
Send us a message via our website or call us on 07951 033955
