Hourly minimum compensation

The apprentice minimum wage in the United Kingdom is currently £10.00 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged under 19 or those in their first year of apprenticeship, regardless of age. The apprentice minimum wage is distinct from the National Living Wage and other minimum wage bands, which apply to workers aged 21 and over or those beyond their apprenticeship period.

The apprentice minimum wage is set and enforced under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the Employment Rights Act 1996. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), now part of the Department for Business and Trade, determines rates annually, typically taking effect from April each year.

The current £10.00 rate represents the statutory floor for apprentice compensation. Employers must ensure all apprentices meeting the eligibility criteria receive at least this hourly rate for all hours worked. The rate applies across all sectors and regions of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Payroll teams must verify apprentice status and age when calculating wages, as misclassification can result in underpayment claims and enforcement action by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or the Insolvency Service. Records should document apprenticeship start dates and confirmation of eligibility for the apprentice rate. Employers should monitor official government sources for rate changes, as the minimum wage is reviewed and adjusted annually, with new rates typically announced in autumn for April implementation.