Those who are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) / National Living Wage (NLW) rate will see a wage increase this week as rates go up on 1 April 2020.

Whilst, understandably, a lot of businesses are trying to keep their head above water and either operate or are forced to cease functioning temporarily due to Covid-19, it is imperative employers do not ignore and let this annual increase pass them by.

If you are paying workers the NMW / NLW, be sure to take note of the increased amounts to avoid falling foul of the law.

The minimum wage rate varies depending on the age of a worker.

Year	25 and over	21 to 24	18 to 20	Under 18	Apprentice*	Statutory Maternity, Adoption, Paternity Pay	Statutory Sick Pay
April 2019 (current rate)	£8.21	£7.70	£6.15	£4.35	£3.90	£148.68	£94.25
April 2020 (new rate)	£8.72	£8.20	£6.45	£4.55	£4.15	£151.20	£95.85

*Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

• aged under 19
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Minimum wage rates are reviewed every year.

It is important for our farmer members to bear in mind that if you employ agricultural workers in Wales or have workers employed pre-October 2013, you must pay in accordance to the relevant Agriculture Wages Order – NFU Employment Service members can call our Helpline if you need advice on this.