New National Living and Minimum Wage levels confirmed for 2024
Increases for 2024 and what this means for employers
The rates of National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) from 1 April 2024 have been confirmed. From that date:-
- NLW will increase from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour
- NMW for those aged 18 to 20 will increase from £7.49 to £8.60 per hour
- NMW for those aged 16 to 17 and apprentices aged under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship will increase from £5.28 to £6.40 per hour
Age thresholds
The age threshold for the NLW will also be lowered to apply to workers aged 21 and over (rather than 23 and over). In cash terms, the increase to the minimum wage is the largest ever made. The increase to the NMW for 18 to 20 year olds is £1.11, and for 16 to 17 year olds and apprentices it is £1.12. The increase to the NLW is also just over a pound at £1.02.
UK Government targets
The UK Government set a target to have the NLW equal to two-thirds of the median hourly rate for those aged 21 and over by April 2024 and the Low Pay Commission (LPC) believes that the new rate will meet that target. The LPC is currently reviewing the broader framework to inform the UK Government's decisions after 2024 but have stated that their current thinking is that there should be a move towards an adult rate that begins from the age of 18.
