National minimum wage increases from 1 April 2021

The annual national minimum wage (NMW) and national living wage (NLW) increases took effect from 1 April 2021.

The national living wage is now £8.91 per hour, representing a 2.2% increase and the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time. In addition, more younger people are now eligible for the NLW as the age threshold has been lowered from 25 to 23 years old.

Watch out for employees with 18th, 21st and 23rd birthdays in the coming tax year, so the trigger point is not overlooked.

In full, the increases from 1 April 2021 are:

• National living wage (23+) has increased 2.2% from £8.72 to £8.91
• National minimum wage (21–22) has increased 2% from £8.20 to £8.36
• National minimum wage (18–20) has increased 1.7% from £6.45 to £6.56
• National minimum wage (under 18) has increased 1.5% from £4.55 to £4.62
• Apprentice rate has increased 3.6% from £4.15 to £4.30