The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on the employee’s age and whether the employee is an apprentice. The employee must be at least school leaving age to the get minimum wage.
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either aged under 19 or aged 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they are both over the age of 19 and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship.
| Age | Apprentice | 16-17 | 18-20 | 21-24 | 25+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 1st April 2018 | £3.70 | £4.20 | £5.90 | £7.38 | £7.83 |
| From 1st April 2017 | £3.50 | £4.05 | £5.60 | £7.05 | £7.50 |