Fiducia TogetherNational Minimum Wage
The legal floor on pay, by age. Rates change every April and underpayment is enforced.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
The National Minimum Wage sets hourly minimums by age band, with a higher National Living Wage rate for workers aged 21 and over, and a separate apprentice rate.
Why it matters
It is enforced by HMRC, which can require back pay for up to six years, impose penalties of up to twice the arrears, and name employers publicly. Naming rounds routinely include large, well-advised companies.
What it looks like in practice
Rates change on 1 April. Check every worker crosses the threshold on their birthday as well — a worker moving into a new age band is a common miss.
What to watch out for
Deductions and unpaid time are where most breaches happen: uniform costs, tools, travel between assignments, training time, and time spent opening up or locking up. All can push an hourly rate below the minimum without anyone intending it.
Where to get proper advice
GOV.UK for the rates and the calculation rules, and ACAS. HMRC runs a free advice line for employers.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.