Minimum wage National Minimum Wage rates apply to employees up to the age of 20 (22 before 1 April 2024). National Living Wage (NLW) rates apply to employees 21 and over (23 and over before 1 April 2024).The Apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19, or 19 and over in the first year of apprenticeship.Penalties apply to employers who fail to pay minimum wages. Age NLW 21-22 18-20 16-17 Apprentice From 1 April 2024 £11.44 n/a £8.60 £6.40 £6.40 From 1 April 2023 £10.42 £10.18 £7.49 £5.28 £5.28