From last year we had the introduction of a national living wage on top of the national minimum wage. Instead of these being increased at two different times in the year (October and April) they have been brought in line so now all national wage increases will take place from the 1st April each year.
The table below shows what has happened to rates since 2010 (clue: they’ve gone up).
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| 2017 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| 2016 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| 2015 | £6.70 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
| 2011 | £6.08 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
| 2010 | £5.93 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |