National Minimum Wage and Living Wage Calculator for Workers Gov.uk

This calculator helps UK workers understand their National Minimum Wage (NMW) and Living Wage entitlements based on their age and hours worked. The National Minimum Wage is the legally required minimum hourly wage for workers in the UK, while the Living Wage is a voluntary rate set higher than the minimum to ensure workers can afford basic necessities.

What is National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum hourly wage that employers must pay workers in the UK. The rate varies depending on the worker's age and the number of hours worked per week. The NMW is set by the UK government and is reviewed annually.

As of April 2024, the National Minimum Wage rates are:

23 years and over: £11.44 per hour
21-22 years: £10.42 per hour
18-20 years: £7.49 per hour
Under 18: £6.40 per hour

Workers who are apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice rate of £6.40 per hour.

What is Living Wage?

The Living Wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation, which is higher than the National Minimum Wage. The Living Wage is designed to ensure that workers can afford basic necessities such as housing, food, and transport.

As of 2024, the Living Wage for an adult in the UK is £11.60 per hour. This rate is reviewed annually to account for changes in the cost of living.

The Living Wage is not legally required, but many employers choose to pay it as part of their commitment to fair wages and social responsibility.

How to Use This Calculator

To use this calculator, follow these steps:

Select your age group from the dropdown menu.
Enter the number of hours you work per week.
Click the "Calculate" button to see your National Minimum Wage and Living Wage.

The calculator will display your weekly wage based on the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates for your age group.

Formula and Assumptions

The calculator uses the following formula to calculate your weekly wage:

Weekly Wage = Hourly Rate × Hours Worked per Week

The hourly rates used are based on the current National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates for the UK.

Assumptions:

The calculator uses the current rates as of April 2024.
It assumes a standard 5-day workweek (40 hours).
It does not account for overtime or bonuses.

Comparison Table

The following table compares the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates for different age groups:

Age Group	National Minimum Wage (£/hour)	Living Wage (£/hour)
23 years and over	£11.44	£11.60
21-22 years	£10.42	£11.60
18-20 years	£7.49	£11.60
Under 18	£6.40	£11.60

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between National Minimum Wage and Living Wage?

The National Minimum Wage is the legally required minimum hourly wage for workers in the UK, while the Living Wage is a voluntary rate set higher than the minimum to ensure workers can afford basic necessities.

How often are the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates reviewed?

The National Minimum Wage rates are reviewed annually by the UK government, while the Living Wage rates are reviewed annually by the Living Wage Foundation.

Can employers pay less than the National Minimum Wage?

No, employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage to workers in the UK. Paying less than the minimum wage is illegal.

Are apprentices entitled to the National Minimum Wage?

Yes, apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice rate of £6.40 per hour.