On the 1^st April 2018 the national minimum wage rates (NMW) and national living wage (NLW) are set to increase.  To help the Essex based businesses we work with to comply we’ve drawn up this handy whistle stop guide to the new rates, and a reminder of the workers who are, and are not entitled:

2018 minimum wage rates

Age                           Current rate                        Rates from April 2018

25 and over            £7.50                                     £7.83

21 to 24                   £7.05                                     £7.38

18 to 20                  £5.60                                     £5.90

Under 18                £4.05                                    £4.20

Apprentice*          £3.50                                    £3.70

 

 

Understand the various wage rates

 

• The National Living Wage (not to be confused by the “living wage” below) relates to those aged over 25 years of age. Its aim is to ensure that workers over the age of 25 are paid a minimum of £9.00per hour by 2020. In the meantime the above rates apply.

 

• Currently, National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates are the same, whether workers are employed inside, or outside of London.

 

• In addition to these two wage rates, there is also something called the “Living Wage”. As an employer you can elect to pay rather than it being the minimum you can pay by law.

 

• The rates for this Living Wage have been increased (as of November 2017) to £8.75 an hour, with the London Living Wage separately calculated as being £10.20 per hour. Remember though this is a voluntary amount and no more.

 

• There are a few types of worker who aren’t entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Those include the self-employed, company directors, volunteers, workers on a government programme and members of the armed forces.

For more information on this potentially tricky subject, contact us at TM LAW LIMITED for honest, expert employment law advice.

 

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About TM Law – Specialist Employment Law Solicitor

Based in Hockley, Essex, TM Law is a small and dedicated solicitors.  With many years’ experience, helping business owners and local individuals with matters of personal injury, compromise agreements, employment disputes, debt collection, commercial disputes and much more.

As a specialist employment law solicitor, TM Laws’ knowledge of the rights and obligations of both employee and employer is second to none, and their approach is proven to achieve the best results for minimum outlay.

For a personal service, practical advice and quick resolution contact us today.  We offer a fair, fixed fee service and we’re always happy to help.