National Minimum Wage is the minimum wage a worker should get and depends on a person’s age and if they are an apprentice. The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to.
National Living Wage is higher than National Minimum Wage, and workers are entitled to this if they’re over 23.
What are the National Minimum Wage rates for 2022?
Rates will rise from 1 April 2022. The table below shows the new rates together with details of the increases that have been applied:
| Rate from April 2021 | Rate from April 2022 | Increase | |
| National Living Wage (age 23 and over) |
£8.91 | £9.50 | 6.6% |
| 21-22 Year Old Rate | £8.36 | £9.18 | 9.8% |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £6.56 | £6.83 | 4.1% |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £4.62 | £4.81 | 4.1% |
| Apprentice Rate | £4.30 | £4.81 | 11.9% |
| Accommodation Offset | £8.36 | £8.70 | 4.1% |
The National Living Wage will increase from £8.91 to £9.50.
What is the difference between National Living Wage and UK Living Wage?
The National Living Wage is different to the UK Living Wage and the London Living Wage calculated by the Living Wage Foundation. Differences include that: the UK Living Wage and the London Living Wage are voluntary pay benchmarks that employers can sign up to if they wish, not legally binding requirements; the hourly rate of the UK Living Wage and London Living Wage is based on an attempt to measure need, whereas the National Living Wage is based on a target relationship between its level and average pay; the UK Living Wage and London Living Wage apply to workers aged 18 and over, the National Living Wage to workers aged 23 and over. The Low Pay Commission has no role in the UK Living Wage or the London Living Wage.
