In April 2025, a major wage update came into effect across the United Kingdom, increasing the National Living Wage (NLW) to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and above. This change, announced in the previous Autumn Budget, marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to support working individuals through rising living costs and inflation. Millions of employees are now seeing higher pay reflected in their earnings, especially those in lower-wage sectors such as retail, social care, hospitality, and food services.

This wage revision is not just a general recommendation but a legally mandated increase. Employers must comply with the revised National Minimum Wage (NMW) and NLW rates for each qualifying age group. If they do not, they may be subject to penalties, legal action, and even back payments to affected employees. The UK government, through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has also issued reminders encouraging all workers to verify their pay using official tools and to report any discrepancies promptly.

Many employees, especially young workers and apprentices, may not always be fully aware of the latest wage rate applicable to them. With this in mind, HMRC has also made available a free online calculator on the gov.uk website, which allows individuals to check whether they are receiving the correct hourly pay based on their age and employment status. This tool is particularly useful for workers in part-time jobs, traineeships, and apprenticeships.

New Minimum Wage and Living Wage Rates by Age Group

Different hourly rates apply depending on a worker’s age and job category. The table below presents the updated minimum pay figures that came into force from 1 April 2025. (from April 2025)

Aged 21 and above (NLW)

£12.21

Aged 18 to 20

£10.00

Aged under 18

£7.55

Apprentice (see criteria)

£7.55

These wage brackets are updated annually, and it is the responsibility of both employers and employees to stay informed of the latest thresholds. The National Living Wage now covers a wider age range, including all workers aged 21 and above, unlike previous years when it applied only to those aged 23 or over.

Who Qualifies for Which Rate?

Apprentices in the UK are also legally entitled to a minimum wage, but the rules vary depending on their age and how far along they are in their apprenticeship. Apprentices under 19 years of age, or those 19 and older but still in the first year of their program, are entitled to the apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour. However, once an apprentice turns 19 and completes the first year of their apprenticeship, they must be paid the standard minimum wage for their age.

Both apprentices and employers need to monitor these milestones, as failing to update pay after the first year could result in underpayment and possible wage disputes. In many cases, apprentices may not be fully aware of their legal rights and continue to receive the lower rate beyond the allowed period.

The current rules can be summarised in the table below:ay Entitlement

Aged under 19

£7.55 per hour

Aged 19+ in the first year of apprenticeship

£7.55 per hour

Aged 19+ and completed the first year of apprenticeship

Pay according to age group

This wage structure helps ensure that apprentices are fairly compensated as they gain more experience and responsibility in the workplace.

How to Check If You’re Being Paid the Right Amount

The government provides a National Minimum Wage and Living Wage Calculator to help employees check whether they are being paid fairly. This online tool is available on the official gov.uk website and is completely free to use. Workers can enter basic details such as age, hours worked, and gross pay to verify if their employer is meeting legal pay standards.

If an employee finds that their wage does not match the applicable rate, they have several options:

1. Raise the issue informally with their employer or payroll department.
2. Use the HMRC online complaint form to report underpayment confidentially.
3. Contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free advice.

These options allow workers to handle wage issues discreetly and legally. HMRC investigates valid complaints and can order employers to pay any missing wages along with penalties for non-compliance.

Why Reviewing Your Payslip and Tax Code Is Essential

Alongside checking minimum wage compliance, employees are advised to review their payslips and tax codes, especially in light of recent wage increases. An incorrect tax code may result in too much or too little tax being deducted from your earnings. Payslips contain essential information such as gross pay, deductions, and the personal tax code assigned to you for the current financial year.

HMRC issues new tax codes each April, so it is important to ensure that your code reflects any salary changes, including those from the new minimum wage rates. If you’re unsure about your tax code, you can use the HMRC Tax Code Checker Tool to understand:

1. What each part of your tax code means
2. Whether you’re on the correct code for your income level
3. If you’re eligible for a tax refund or need to make corrections

If you notice any unusual deductions or a code you don’t recognize, it is recommended to speak with your employer or contact HMRC directly to resolve the matter.

Monthly Earnings Based on New Wage Rates

To give a better idea of how these rates affect earnings, here is a rough estimate of monthly income for full-time workers (based on 35 hours per week) before tax and deductions:

1. Aged 21 and above at £12.21/hour: £1,847.55 per month
2. Aged 18–20 at £10.00/hour: £1,516.67 per month
3. Aged under 18 or apprentices at £7.55/hour: £1,145.08 per month

These estimates are gross figures and may vary depending on work schedules, overtime, and other deductions such as tax and National Insurance. However, they offer a helpful reference for understanding how the new minimum wage directly impacts take-home pay.

What Steps to Take if You’re Underpaid

If you discover that your pay does not meet the legal minimum, it is important to take the right steps quickly. Start by checking your wage against the current rates using HMRC’s online calculator. If the numbers do not match, speak to your employer directly—many underpayments are due to simple errors.

If the issue is not resolved or you feel uncomfortable raising it with your employer, you can:

1. File a complaint with HMRC using their online tool.
2. Contact Acas for help, especially if the problem leads to a workplace dispute.

Employers found guilty of underpaying workers may be required to pay arrears and could also face public penalties.

The April 2025 rise in the National Living Wage to £12.21 is a welcome development for workers nationwide. But while the increase itself is automatic on paper, it does not always get implemented correctly in practice. That’s why employees need to check their payslips, confirm their tax codes, and use available tools to ensure they’re being paid fairly.

The combination of wage changes and new tax rules makes this the right time to be proactive. Understanding your rights, staying informed, and taking action when needed ensures that every pound you earn is legally and rightfully yours. (DOPOHAR)