From 1 October 2016, the minimum wage rates increased as follows:  

Worker category

Minimum wage per hour  (from
1 October 2016)

Minimum wage per hour (from 1 April 2016
to 30 September 2016)

25 and over

£7.20

£7.20

21 to 24

£6.95

£6.70

18 to 20

£5.55

£5.30

16 to 17

£4.00

£3.87

Apprentice

£3.40

£3.30

 

For workers aged over 25, the rate did not change. This is the new "national living wage" which came into force on 1 April 2016 at a rate of £7.20 an hour. 

From April 2017, all national minimum wage rates, including the national living wage, will be updated at the same time. 

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.