Does National Minimum Wage Only Apply when You Are Paid Hourly?
Published 24 January 2024
The 'national minimum wage' is the legal minimum an employer can pay anyone working in any UK nation. The rates go up on 1 April each year.
Rates | Apprenticeships | Under 18 | Age 18 -20 | Age 21 -22 | Age 23+ |
April 2023 | £5.28 | £5.28 | £7.49 | £10.18 | £10.42 |
April 2024 | £6.40 | £6.40 | £8.60 | £11.44 | £11.44 |
These rates apply to everyone, even if you're NOT paid hourly.
For example, if you're 23 or older, and currently working 35 hours a week, your annual salary must be at least £18,964.
From 1 April 2024, the legal minimum wage will increase for apprentices and across all age bands to the amounts shown above. The top rate will also apply to everyone aged 21 and over, rather than 23+ as is currently the case.
The national minimum wage ISN'T optional. Regardless of what your contract says, your employer has to pay you the right amount – otherwise, they're breaking the law.
The main exception is if you work for yourself!
Here is a call to action for the National Minimum Wage article:
Are You Paying Your Staff the Right Amount?
Getting National Minimum Wage wrong is not just a paperwork issue — it is a legal matter that can result in serious financial penalties and reputational damage for your business.
From 1 April 2024, the rules changed. The top rate now applies to everyone aged 21 and over — which means many employers who thought they were compliant may now find themselves unknowingly breaking the law.
The Risks of Getting It Wrong:
❌ HMRC investigations and back-payment demands
❌ Financial penalties of up to 200% of underpaid wages
❌ Public naming and shaming by the government
❌ Employment tribunal claims from affected staff
❌ Damage to your reputation as an employer
A Quick Compliance Checklist:
Are all staff on the correct rate for their age band?
Have you updated payroll following the April 2024 changes?
Are any staff aged 21-22 still on the old lower rate?
Are your apprentice wages correctly calculated?
Do your salaried staff earn enough to meet the minimum hourly threshold?
We Can Help You Stay Compliant
At BR Pusser & Co Ltd, we help employers across Kent, Medway, Surrey, East Sussex, and Essex ensure their payroll is accurate, compliant, and up to date.
Our team can:
Review your current pay structure against the latest minimum wage rates
Identify any compliance gaps before HMRC does
Update your payroll processes to reflect the new age band changes
Advise on apprenticeship wage requirements specific to your sector
Do Not Wait For a Problem to Find You
📞 Contact Us to speak with a member of our team about your tax debt today.
📅 Book an Appointment for a one-to-one consultation and get tailored advice.
The National Minimum Wage is not optional. Make sure your business is on the right side of the law.
