Minimum wage rates increase

New minimum wage rates come into force across UK, including ‘national living wage’

The minimum wage rates – including the so-called national living wage which applies to workers over 25 – go up today (1 April).

The new rates are:

  • 25 and over – £7.50 an hour;
  • 21 to 24 – £7.05 an hour;
  • 18 to 20 – £5.60 an hour;
  • 16 to 17 – £4.05 an hour;
  • apprentice rate – £3.50 an hour.

UNISON has consistently campaigned for the independent living wage rates, announced by the Living Wage Foundation and Greater London mayor and calculated on the amount someone needs to earn for a basic but decent life.

This is currently £8.45 an hour outside London and £9.75 an hour in London, which has a higher cost of living.

UNISON national minimum wage factsheet

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