National Minimum Wage
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
UK National Law
What is this right?
Every worker in the UK has the right to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). The rates depend on your age:
- 21 and over (NLW): £12.21 per hour
- 18 to 20: £10.00 per hour
- Under 18: £7.55 per hour
- Apprentice rate: £7.55 per hour (first year of apprenticeship, or under 19)
These rates are reviewed every April. Your employer cannot pay you less, even if you agree to it. Tips do not count toward the minimum wage.
When does it apply?
- You are a worker — this includes employees, agency workers, and most casual or zero-hours contract workers.
- You are not genuinely self-employed. If your employer controls when and how you work, you are likely a worker even if your contract says otherwise.
- Volunteers for charities are not covered, but if you receive more than expenses you may legally be a worker.
- Live-in workers (like au pairs) have special rules about how hours are counted.
What should you do?
- Check your payslips carefully. Divide your total pay by your total hours to see if you're getting the minimum.
- If you're underpaid, raise it with your employer first — it may be a payroll error.
- If that doesn't work, contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) on 0300 123 1100 for free advice.
- You can also complain to HMRC online — they investigate minimum wage breaches and can force your employer to pay arrears going back 6 years.
- You are protected from being dismissed or punished for asking about your minimum wage rights.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't agree to be paid below minimum wage — even if you sign something, it's not legally valid.
- Don't assume tips count — since the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, tips must be passed to workers in full and cannot be used to top up minimum wage.
- Don't ignore deductions — if your employer deducts for uniforms, tools, or accommodation above the offset rate, these can bring your pay below minimum wage illegally.
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