Employment changes
Employers are reminded that some important changes were introduced in April 2019.
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increased on 1 April 2019.
The hourly rate for the National Minimum Wage depends on the age of the worker and whether they are apprentice.
A person must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
| Year |
25 and over |
21 to 24 |
18 to 20 |
Under 18 |
Apprentice |
| April 2019 |
£8.21 |
£7.70 |
£6.15 |
£4.35 |
£3.90 |
From 6 April 2019 employers are now required to do the following:
- all workers and employees must receive a payslip
- where the workers' pay varies the number of hours worked must be indicated on the payslip
- if a salaried employee works overtime this must be shown on the payslip
The maximum penalty to an Employment Tribunal may order in relation to an employer's aggravated breach of employment law has increased from £5,000 to £20,000 for breaches of workers' rights that take place on or after 6 April 2019.