You will be aware that the ‘National Living Wage’ has now come into force, requiring employers to pay employees aged 25 or more at least £7.20 an hour.

Following recommendations made by the Low Pay commission, the government has also announced increases in the national minimum wage (NMW). These will take effect from October 2016.

The new rates will be as follows:

• The rate for 21- to 24-year-olds will rise by 3.7% to £6.95 an hour.
• The rate for 18- to 20-year-olds will rise by 4.7% to £5.55 an hour.
• The rate for 16- to 17-year-olds will rise by 3.4% to £4.00 an hour.
• The apprentice rate will rise by 3% to £3.40 an hour.

For further information, see the GOV.UK website here.