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Tax & Salary · April 2025 rates

UK Minimum Wage Checker

From April 2025 the National Living Wage rose to £12.21 for everyone aged 21 and over. Younger workers and apprentices have their own minimums — and you have the right to be paid at least these rates.

Required: £12.21/hr

£
hrs

Underpaid

Short by £0.71/hr

Shortfall

  • Per hour
    £1
  • Per week
    £27
  • Annualised (52 wks)
    £1,385

How we calculated your result

We compare your stated hourly pay to the legal minimum for your age band. Any shortfall is multiplied by hours/week and 52 to project annual underpayment.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • National Living Wage (21+): £12.21/hr.
  • 18–20: £10.00/hr.
  • 16–17 & apprentices (1st year, or under 19): £7.55/hr.
  • Sleep-in shifts: count as working time per Mencap (2021) — sometimes.
  • Employer must keep records for 6 years; HMRC enforces with fines up to 200% of arrears.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Tronc isn't pay for NMW

    Tips paid via tronc don’t count towards minimum wage. Your base pay must independently hit the floor.

  • ⚠ Deductions can take you under

    Uniform charges, till shortages, accommodation deductions above the offset (£10.66/day) can put your effective rate below minimum — that’s illegal.

  • ⚠ Salaried at the wage floor? Watch the hours

    If your salary works out below minimum when divided by actual hours, you’re underpaid. Common in retail/hospitality manager roles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report underpayment?
Yes — confidentially via ACAS (0300 123 1100) or directly to HMRC. You can’t be sacked for it.
What about volunteers and interns?
Genuine volunteers are exempt. But if you have set hours, contracted duties or get any reward beyond expenses, you’re a worker and NMW applies.

2025/26 rates. Rates change every April.

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