It’s just a few weeks until the National Living Wage (NLW) increase comes into effect, raising the hourly rate for many workers across the UK.

The NLW is the government-mandated minimum wage for 23-year-olds and over. This attempts to ensure that people earn enough to be able to live based on the rate of inflation. Although, some have suggested the increases don’t go far enough.

What are the changes?

From April 1st 2022 the NLW will go up to £9.50 per hour. This is a 59 pence or 6.6% increase on last year. Younger workers will see a rise next month too, as the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is also set to rise. 21-22 year olds will see a significant rise of 82 pence or 9.8% to £9.18. 

The NLW and NMW rates from 1st April 2022 are:

• The National Living wage will increase 6.6% from £8.91 to £9.50;
• For 21 and 22-year-olds, the rate will increase 9.8% from £8.36 to £9.18;
• For 18 to 20-year-olds, the rate will increase 4.1% from £6.56 to £6.83;
• For 16 to 17-year-olds, the rate will increase 4.1% from £4.62 to £4.81;
• For apprentices, the rate will increase 11.9% from £4.30 to £4.81.