The Minimum Wage is an important piece of legislation, particularly for those interested in the minimum wage UK 2023. It protects employers from exploiting the competition for jobs to drive down the wages of their workers to a level below that which they can comfortably live on. And in the current cost-of-living crisis, it has never been more important.
It is also vital for employees to know what the appropriate wage is for their age and experience, so they can set reasonable expectations and ensure they are paid what they are legally entitled to.
So, whether you’re just starting out in the workforce or looking to make a change in your career, it is best to know about your UK minimum wage rights.
The minimum wage in the UK changed in 2022, and it changed in 2023 too. With the help of this blog, you will become aware of the minimum wage you deserve in 2023, so you can negotiate. To increase your negotiation skills and power, back yourself up by upskilling in 2023 with Pitman Training courses to make more money in the coming years!
What is the Minimum Wage in the UK?
The minimum wage is the minimum amount of money (per hour) your employer is legally required to pay for your work. The government determines the rate, which varies depending on the employee’s age. It also depends on whether you are an apprentice or not.
Who is Entitled to Minimum Wage?
The National Minimum Wage applies to all working individuals in the UK. It varies according to the age of the worker and apprenticeship status. It includes casual workers, workers in training and off-shore workers.
There are, however, a few groups exempt from this minimum wage entitlement: including, self-employed workers, unpaid volunteers, company directors, family members living in their employer’s home, and workers younger than the school leaving age (usually 16).
Why Should You Know the Minimum Wage
Whatever stage you are on your career path, it’s important you know the minimum wage for your age, especially for those interested in the UK minimum wage 2023. There are various reasons why you should know the minimum wage in the UK:
Job Search
When looking for a new job, knowing the minimum wage will help you set realistic expectations. You can avoid applying for jobs that do not pay enough to meet your needs.
Negotiation
When negotiating your pay, knowing the benchmark for what is considered a fair amount will be helpful, both in setting realistic expectations and ensuring you are not being short-changed.
Budget
When you are working at a job with minimum wage, your financial situation can be challenging. Knowing the minimum wage before getting a job will help you to make plans and create a budget for what you can (and can’t) afford.
National Living Wage vs Minimum Wage in the UK
The National Living Wage is focused on working individuals above the age of 23 and not in the first year of their apprenticeship. Meanwhile, the National Minimum Wage applies to every individual under 25 years of age working in the UK.
The National Living Wage is slightly more than the National Minimum Wage since it is formulated with older workers in mind. The UK National Living Wage after the 1st of April 2023 is set at £10.42 per hour. It is an increase of 9.70% from £9.50 per hour in 2022.
What is the Minimum Wage in the UK for 2023?
The UK National Minimum Wage for 2023 will be applicable from the 1st of April, 2023. All businesses apart from self-employed individuals, volunteer workers, and those individuals working and living with their families will have to adhere to the new legal rate. The minimum wage rate varies according to the ages of the workers as follows:
| Age | National Minimum Wage 2023 |
|---|---|
| 21-22 | £10.18 |
| 18-20 | £7.49 |
| 16-17 | £5.28 |
What is the Apprentice Rate for 2023 in the UK?
In addition to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage, there is an apprentice rate in the UK.
The UK apprentice rate applies to working individuals under the age of 19 or in their first year of apprenticeship. For instance, an apprentice of 20 years but in their first year of the apprenticeship will get the apprentice rate as opposed to the minimum wage.
The apprentice rate for 2023 in the UK is fixed at £5.28 from the 1st of April 2023. This has been increased by around 9.80% from the previous rate of £4.81.Minimum Wage in 2022 vs 2023
Minimum Wage in 2022 vs 2023
The minimum wage was changed to support the living standards of low-wage earners across the UK as inflation significantly increased worldwide in 2022. The changes follow the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission (LPC). The minimum wage in 2023 compared to the past year has changed, as highlighted below:
| Age | National Minimum Wage 2022 UK | National Minimum Wage 2023 UK | Increased By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21- 22 | £9.18 | £10.18 | 10.80% |
| 18- 20 | £6.83 | £7.49 | 9.60% |
| 16- 17 | £4.81 | £5.28 | 9.70% |
How You Can Increase Your Salary
Remember these are the minimum wages. This is the least you can get paid, but why restrict yourself to the least? One of the privileges of living in the developed world is that we are restricted only by our ambition and the limits we set for ourselves. Training can help you increase your skill set and with it, your earning potential- whether that be in developing your current career path or even exploring a new one.
Pitman Training offers a wide range of courses to help you improve your existing skills or train for a new career. With our programs, you can upskill in less than a year and increase your earning potential. There is a range of funding options, including monthly payments with 0% finance.
”It was so easy to fit in the work, life, study balance by being able to complete the course at the same time that was convenient to my own schedule. 10/10 for Pitman Training!” – Sarah Boland, graduate. So, now you know what minimum wage is, why settle for it? Contact us now to book an appointment with Pitman Training- say goodbye to settling and ‘minimum’; say hello to finally getting paid what you are worth.
