National Minimum Wage Rates
Historical Data Relating To The National Minimum Wage
Historical Increases
The National Minimum Wage was first introduced in October 1999 at a rate of £3.20 per hour for anyone aged 22 and over and £3.00 per hour for anyone aged 18 to 21. The rate for 16 to 17 year olds was introduced in 2004. The next change came in 2010 when the apprentice rate was introduced and the adult rate reduced from 21 and over from 22 and oaver. From 1999 to 2015 the annual increases took affect in October of each year, the 2016 annual increase was the first to take affect from April.
The National Living Wage (known as the Adult Rate) was introduced in April 2016 and applied to aged 25 years old and over. In April 2021, the National Living Wage was extended to those aged 23 years old and over. In April 2024, the National Living Wage was extended further to include workers aged 21 years old and over.
The rates from 2016 are detailed here:
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | 16 to 17 | ||
| April 2026 | £12.71 | £10.85 | £8.00 | |
| April 2025 | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | |
| April 2024 | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | |
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | 16 to 17 | |
| April 2023 | £10.42 | £10.18 | £7.49 | £5.28 |
| April 2022 | £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 |
| April 2021 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 |
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | 16 to 17 | |
| April 2020 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 |
| April 2019 | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 |
| April 2018 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 |
| April 2017 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 |
| April 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 |
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