The National Minimum Wage rates that apply from 1 April 2024 are below.
- Aged 21 and over: £11.44 per hour
- Aged 18 to 20: £8.60 per hour
- Under 18: £6.40 per hour
- Apprentice*: £6.40 per hour
* Employees are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either apprentices under the age of 19, or apprentices aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. An apprentice who has completed their first year of apprenticeship and is 19 or over is entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.
Internships and work experience
The rules regarding the minimum wage for interns and people on work experience vary depending on the situation. If you’re thinking of employing someone on this basis, it’s best to check out HMRC’s guide on the minimum wage for work experience and internships.
What are the minimum pension contribution rates?
The minimum pension contribution rates are still 3% of qualifying earnings for the employer and 5% for the employee.
Qualifying earnings are an employee’s gross pay between £120 per week and £967 per week if they’re paid weekly. For an employee who’s paid monthly, it’s their gross monthly pay between £520 and £4,189.
For Example:
An employee earns £300 per week (gross).
Her qualifying earnings are £180 (£300 – £120).
Min contribution from the employee: £9 per week (5% of £180).
Min contribution from the employer: £5.40 per week (3% of £180).
Total minimum pension contribution: £14.40 per week (£9 + £5.40).
See our blog on pensions to find out everything you need to know about enrolling employees into a workplace pension scheme.
If you have any questions about pension rates or the minimum wage, you know where to find us!
