From 1 April 2021, the rates are changing for National Minimum Wage and all other statutory payments. These are outlined in more detail below.

National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates will increase as follows:

  • Age 23 and above £8.91 (up from £8.72)
  • Age 21 – 22 £8.36 (up from £8.20)
  • Age 18 – 20 £6.56 (up from £6.45)
  • Age under 18 (but above compulsory school leaving age) £4.62 (up from £4.55)
  • Apprentices under 19 £4.30 (up from £4.15)
  • Apprentices 19 and over (but first year apprentice) £4.30 (up from £4.15)

An important change this year is that the age to receive the National Living Wage is decreasing. From 1 April 2021 an employee need only be 23 years old to receive this, instead of 25 years old in prior years.

Statutory Sick Pay

This is increasing to £96.35 per week (up from £95.85).

Maternity Pay – an eligible employee should receive 90% of their average weekly earnings for the first six weeks of maternity leave. The rate of pay for the remaining 33 weeks of maternity leave is increasing to £151.97 (up from £151.20) per week (or 90% of their average).

Statutory Paternity Pay, Shared Parental Pay and Parental Bereavement Pay are also increasing to £151.97 per week (up from £151.20).

The Backhouse Solicitors Team

If you would like more information on the National Minimum Wage changes, or have any other employment law related questions please contact us today to speak to one of our expert Employment Law solicitors.

Tel: 01245 893400
Email: info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
Visit: 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1JU

Or send us a message through the Contact Us page on this website