Check if your pay meets UK National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage requirements. Verify you're being paid correctly according to current UK minimum wage rates.
Note: Rates are effective from April 2024. Rates are updated annually. Always verify current rates with GOV.UK.
This UK minimum wage checker helps you verify whether your hourly pay meets or exceeds the UK National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage requirements. It calculates your effective hourly rate based on your total pay and hours worked, then compares it against the current UK minimum wage rates for your age group. The calculator accounts for different minimum wage rates that apply to workers aged 21 and over (National Living Wage), workers aged 18-20, workers aged under 18, and apprentices. It shows whether you're being paid at least the minimum wage and highlights any shortfall if your pay is below the required rate.
This checker is designed for UK workers who want to verify they're being paid at least the minimum wage, employees concerned about their pay rate, workers receiving tips or other payments that might affect minimum wage calculations, apprentices checking their pay meets apprenticeship minimum wage requirements, and anyone evaluating a job offer to ensure it meets minimum wage standards. It's particularly useful for workers in industries where minimum wage violations may occur, such as hospitality, retail, or care work.
For example, if you're 25 years old, work 40 hours per week, and receive £400 per week, your effective hourly rate is £10 per hour (£400 ÷ 40). For the 2024-2025 tax year, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £11.44 per hour. The calculator would show that you're being paid £1.44 per hour below the minimum wage, and your employer would need to increase your pay to at least £457.60 per week (£11.44 × 40 hours) to meet the legal requirement.
The National Living Wage is the minimum wage rate for workers aged 21 and over, which is higher than the National Minimum Wage rates for younger workers. Workers aged 18-20, under 18, and apprentices have different (lower) minimum wage rates. All of these are legally enforceable minimum pay rates in the UK.
Working hours include all time you're required to be at work, including training, travel time if it's part of your job, and time spent on work-related activities. Breaks may or may not count depending on your employment contract. Always check your specific contract or consult with employment advice services for your situation.
In the UK, tips and service charges paid directly to you by customers do not count towards the National Minimum Wage. However, tips that go through your employer's payroll system may be counted differently. Your base pay from your employer must meet the minimum wage requirement regardless of tips.
If you believe you're being paid below the minimum wage, you should first speak with your employer. If the issue isn't resolved, you can contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), who enforce minimum wage laws. You may also want to seek advice from a trade union or employment law advisor.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. This calculator provides estimates based on standard UK minimum wage rates. Actual minimum wage requirements may vary based on your specific employment circumstances, contract terms, and other factors. Minimum wage rates are updated annually and may change. Always verify current rates with official government sources (GOV.UK) and consult with employment law professionals or ACAS for advice on minimum wage issues. This calculator should not be used as the sole basis for employment disputes or legal action.
Our free UK minimum wage checker helps you verify whether your pay meets the legal minimum wage requirements. Simply select your age band, enter your pay amount and frequency, and if applicable, your hours worked. The calculator compares your effective hourly rate against the current National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age group.
The calculator works for hourly, weekly, or monthly pay. If you're paid weekly or monthly, you'll need to enter your hours worked so the calculator can determine your effective hourly rate. The calculator then compares this rate against the minimum wage requirement for your age band and shows whether you're being paid correctly or if there's an underpayment.
The UK has different minimum wage rates based on age. The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 23 and over, currently set at £11.44 per hour (from April 2024). Workers aged 21-22 also receive £11.44 per hour. The National Minimum Wage applies to younger workers: £8.60 per hour for 18-20 year olds, and £6.40 per hour for 16-17 year olds and apprentices.
These rates are updated annually by the UK government, typically in April. The rates are legally binding, meaning employers must pay at least these amounts. Paying below the minimum wage is illegal and can result in penalties for employers. If you believe you're being underpaid, you should contact HMRC or seek advice from ACAS or a legal advisor.
For minimum wage calculations, working time includes all time you're required to be at work, including training time, travel time if you're required to travel as part of your job, and time spent on work-related activities. It doesn't include unpaid breaks, travel to and from work (unless it's part of your job), or time when you're not required to be available for work.
Some deductions from pay can affect your minimum wage calculation. Deductions for things like uniforms, tools, or training that are required for your job can reduce your pay below the minimum wage, which is illegal. However, deductions for things like tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or voluntary benefits don't count toward minimum wage calculations.
If the calculator shows you're being paid below the minimum wage, you should first speak with your employer. They may not be aware of the issue and may correct it. If your employer doesn't resolve the issue, you can contact HMRC's National Minimum Wage enforcement team, who can investigate and help recover underpaid wages. You can also seek advice from ACAS or a legal advisor.
Keep records of your hours worked and pay received, as these will be needed if you need to make a complaint. You have the right to see your pay records, and your employer must keep records of your hours and pay for at least three years. If you're concerned about your pay, don't hesitate to seek help - minimum wage enforcement is taken seriously in the UK.
This calculator provides estimates based on current minimum wage rates. Rates are updated annually, typically in April, so always verify the current rates with GOV.UK. The calculator assumes standard working arrangements and may not account for all specific circumstances, such as piece work, commission-only pay, or certain types of accommodation deductions.
Disclaimer: This minimum wage checker is for guidance and estimation purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Minimum wage rates are subject to change, and actual minimum wage compliance depends on your specific employment circumstances. Always verify current rates with GOV.UK and seek professional advice if you believe you're being underpaid. This calculator cannot account for all employment situations, deductions, or special circumstances that may affect minimum wage calculations.
The National Living Wage for workers aged 23 and over is £11.44 per hour (from April 2024). Workers aged 21-22 also receive £11.44 per hour. The National Minimum Wage is £8.60 per hour for 18-20 year olds, and £6.40 per hour for 16-17 year olds and apprentices. These rates are updated annually, typically in April.
The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 23 and over, currently £11.44 per hour. The National Minimum Wage applies to younger workers: £11.44 for 21-22 year olds, £8.60 for 18-20 year olds, and £6.40 for 16-17 year olds and apprentices. Both are legally binding minimum rates that employers must pay.
No, it's illegal for employers to pay below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. There are very few exceptions, such as certain types of work experience or internships. If you're being paid below the minimum wage, you should contact HMRC's National Minimum Wage enforcement team or seek legal advice.
Yes, apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate of the National Minimum Wage, currently £6.40 per hour (from April 2024). This applies to apprentices under 19, or those 19 and over in their first year of apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 and over should receive the rate for their age group.
If you're paid commission or piece work, your average hourly pay must still meet the minimum wage when calculated over your pay period. Your total pay (including commission or piece work earnings) divided by your total hours worked must equal or exceed the minimum wage rate for your age. This calculator provides basic estimates; complex pay arrangements may require professional advice.
Some deductions can reduce your pay below minimum wage, which is illegal. Deductions for required uniforms, tools, or training that are necessary for your job cannot reduce your pay below the minimum wage. However, deductions for tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or voluntary benefits don't count toward minimum wage calculations - your pay before these deductions must meet the minimum wage.
If you believe you're being paid below the minimum wage, first speak with your employer - they may not be aware of the issue. If that doesn't resolve it, contact HMRC's National Minimum Wage enforcement team, who can investigate and help recover underpaid wages. You can also seek advice from ACAS or a legal advisor. Keep records of your hours and pay.
Minimum wage rates are updated annually, typically in April. The UK government reviews and sets new rates each year based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. Always check GOV.UK for the most current rates, as this calculator may not reflect the latest updates immediately after rate changes.