National Minimum Wage Calculator UK 2025 — Are You Being Paid Enough?
The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour from April 2025 (up from £11.44). Use our free calculator to check if your pay meets the legal minimum, calculate any underpayment, and understand what to do if you are being underpaid.
If you believe you are being underpaid, contact ACAS (0300 123 1100) or report to HMRC at gov.uk/minimum-wage-reporting. HMRC investigates minimum wage complaints and can impose fines of 200% of underpayment on employers.
National Minimum Wage Rates 2025 — UK
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are set annually by the government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. From 1 April 2025:
| Age / Worker Category | Rate from April 2025 | Rate 2024/25 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21/hr | £11.44/hr | +£0.77 (6.7%) |
| 18 to 20 | £10.00/hr | £8.60/hr | +£1.40 (16.3%) |
| Under 18 (above school leaving age) | £7.55/hr | £6.40/hr | +£1.15 (18.0%) |
| Apprentice (1st year or under 19) | £7.55/hr | £6.40/hr | +£1.15 (18.0%) |
Annual Salary at Minimum Wage (37.5 hrs/week)
| Worker Age | Hourly Rate (2025) | Weekly (37.5 hrs) | Annual (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21+ | £12.21 | £457.88 | £23,810 |
| 18–20 | £10.00 | £375.00 | £19,500 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 | £283.13 | £14,723 |
What Counts as Pay for NMW Purposes?
Not everything that appears on your payslip counts as "pay" for minimum wage purposes. The following cannot reduce your hourly rate below the minimum:
- Deductions for uniforms, tools, or equipment that you are required to provide
- Repayments of loans or salary advances
- Payment for living accommodation above the accommodation offset (£9.99/day in 2025)
- Tips and gratuities paid through the payroll by the employer (though these are now protected by the Tips Act 2023)
The following do count towards NMW pay:
- Basic hourly pay and salary
- Piece-rate pay (earnings based on output)
- Commission
- Performance bonuses paid in the pay reference period
What Time Counts as Working Time?
Working time for NMW purposes includes time you are actually working, on-call time where you are required to be at or near the workplace, time spent travelling between assignments, and some training time. It does NOT include your own travel to and from work, or time spent on rest breaks.
What Happens If Your Employer Underpays You?
Non-payment of the minimum wage is a criminal offence and a serious breach of employment law. If your employer underpays you:
- Calculate the underpayment using this tool and keep records of your hours and pay.
- Raise the issue directly with your employer — they may claim it was an error.
- If unresolved, report to HMRC anonymously at gov.uk/minimum-wage-reporting or call 0800 917 2368. HMRC investigates complaints for free.
- You can also bring an Employment Tribunal claim for unlawful deduction from wages. ACAS early conciliation is required first (free service, 0300 123 1100).
HMRC can require employers to repay all arrears plus interest and can impose a penalty of 200% of the underpayment (minimum £100, maximum £20,000 per worker). Employers found guilty of deliberate non-payment can also be prosecuted and disqualified from being a company director.
NMW Exemptions — Who Is NOT Entitled?
- Self-employed people and genuine independent contractors
- Company directors who do not have an employment contract
- Voluntary workers working for charities without pay
- Students on genuine work experience placements as part of a higher education course (usually up to 1 year)
- Family members living in the employer's household and sharing in family tasks (e.g., au pairs in a genuine family setting)
- Prisoners working as part of their sentence