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Elly Rewcastle

What is the national minimum wage and when will it go up across the country?

Low-paid workers will soon see a slight boost to their pay packet as the national minimum wage is set to increase. The government announced plans to raise the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage this April.

It means that a full-time worker on the National Living Wage will receive roughly an extra £150 a month from April 2023. Younger workers will also see raises increase.

The Government hopes the rates, which were announced last November, will provide further protection to the living standards of those on lower wages. With the cost of living continuing to rise, the slight boost will be a great help to many.

Read more: State Pension rise for millions in April may see people having to pay tax on income

What is the difference between the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour that almost all workers are entitled to. Whilst the National Living Wage is paid to workers over 23.

What are the current National Living and Minimum Wage rates and what will they raise to?


23 and over

21 to 22

18 to 20

Under 18

Apprentice

Current rate

£9.50

£9.18

£6.83

£4.81

£4.81

New rate (as of April 2023)

£10.42

£10.18

£7.49

£5.28

£5.28

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Whilst apprentices that are both over 19 years old and have completed their first year will be entitled to the minimum wage.

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