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Current NMW rates

There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates (from 1 October 2023) are:

• £6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
• £4.98 - the 18-20 rate
• £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
• £2.65 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

If you are of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW. Some of your other employment rights are also different.

Past NMW rates can be viewed on the Low Pay Commission website.

• Historical rates on the Low Pay Commission website Opens new window

• Work and careers (young people section)

Entitlement to the NMW

Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid at least the NMW and all employers have to pay it to you if you are entitled to it. It makes no difference:

• if you are paid weekly or monthly, by cheque, in cash or in another way
• if you work full time, part time or any other working pattern
• if you work at your employer’s own premises or elsewhere
• what size your employer is
• where you work in the UK

You are entitled to the NMW even if you sign a contract agreeing to be paid at a lower rate. This is regardless of whether you sign of your own free will or because your employer persuades or makes you. The contract will have no legal effect and you must still be paid the proper rate.

If you're not sure if you should be paid at least the NMW read the 'Workers entitled to the National Minimum Wage' and 'Who is not entitled to the National Minimum Wage' pages.

• Workers entitled to the National Minimum Wage

• Who is not entitled to the National Minimum Wage

Where to get help

The Pay and Work Rights Helpline gives confidential help and advice on the NMW and can handle calls in over 100 languages. If you aren’t being paid the NMW you can contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline or use the online enquiry or complaint form.

• Pay and Work Rights general enquiry form Opens new window

• Pay and Work Rights complaint form Opens new window

• Pay and Work Rights Helpline contact details