Minimum wage in the UK

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What is the minimum wage in the UK per hour?

The National Minimum Wage in the United Kingdom is determined on an hourly basis, and varies by age:

for those aged 21 and over: £11.44
for those aged 18-20: £8.60
for under-18s: £6.40
for employees on an apprenticeship scheme aged
under 19 or in the first year of the apprenticeship scheme: £6.40.

Are there regional variations in the UK’s minimum wage?

There are no regional variations for the United Kingdom minimum wage. The applicable rate of the National Minimum Wage for each age group applies nationally.

How has minimum wage in the UK changed in the last 5 years and beyond?

The National Living Wage has increased from £7.50 for the highest rate in April 2017 to £9.50 per hour in April 2022. Before 1 April 2021, the 21-22 band was for ages 21-24 and the highest rate applied to those aged 25 and over. This was changed in 2021 and the highest rate now applies to age 23 and over.

UK – Minimum Wage Over the Years
Date	Min. Wage, Hourly, 23+ (GBP)
2022	9.50
2021	8.91
2020	8.72
2019	8.21
2018	7.83
2017	7.50

How does the minimum wage in the UK compare to surrounding countries?

The UK ranks as having the eighth highest minimum wage in the world, below than France, Germany and Belgium, but above Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Greece.

Is there a different minimum wage for expats in the UK?

No, all workers in the UK must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

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FAQs

What is the difference between the average salary and the minimum wage in the UK?

The median full-time annual salary is approximately £31,461, and the minimum wage is £18,525 annually (based on the National Living Wage of £9.50 per hour for age 23 and over, and a standard 37.5 hour working week).

Is it possible to hire skilled employees close to the minimum wage in the UK?

Minimum wage in the UK tends to apply to low skilled jobs. Skilled employees command much higher rates, with the exact amount dependent on the industry and skill required

Who is not entitled to the minimum wage in the UK?

Most workers are entitled to the minimum wage in the UK, but certain categories of workers are not. These include:

self-employed workers running their own business.
company directors.
voluntary workers.
members of the armed forces.
workers below age 16.
students on work experience or work placements of up to one year.

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"I truly appreciated the thoroughness and the professionalism of Horizons personnel while we hired internationally with them. When they advised our international expansion, they spoke confidently and were knowledgable on all subject matters pertaining to international employment."

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