National Minimum Wage 2018
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum wage per hour a worker is entitled to in the United Kingdom. These rates are reviewed yearly by the government and are advised by the independent body Low Pay Commission (LPC).
In March 2015 the government announced that on 1 October 2015 the hourly adult rate of National Minimum Wage would rise by 20p, from £6.50 to £6.70 (3%). This is the biggest real-terms increase since 2007 and is estimated to benefit more than 1.4 million of Britain’s lowest-paid workers.
The changes in the past five years are visible in the table below. In 2010 the age groups were slightly altered and an apprentice bracket was also introduced. Before that the age groups were divided slightly differently and there was no applicable minimum wage for apprentices.
From April 2018, all workers aged 25 and over are legally entitled to at least £7.83 per hour.
Minimum Wage Rates from 1 April 2018
| YEAR | 25 AND OVER | 21 TO 24 | 18 TO 20 | UNDER 18 | APPRENTICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
| 2017 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| 2016 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| 2015 | £6.70 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
| 2011 | £6.08 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
| 2010 | £5.93 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |
Source: http://www.minimum-wage.co.uk/