Rate of record
Birthday rate change: 18th and 21st
Your minimum-wage band changes on a birthday. The new rate applies from the first pay reference period starting on or after the birthday. If the employer is slow, back pay is owed.
The two band-change birthdays
- 18th birthday: move from 16-17 band (£8.00) to 18-20 band (£10.85).
- 21st birthday: move from 18-20 band (£10.85) to 21+ NLW (£12.71).
When the new rate applies
The new band rate applies from the first pay reference period starting on or after the birthday. For a worker paid weekly Mon-Sun, a Saturday birthday triggers the new rate from the Monday-Sunday week that includes the birthdaygov.uk.
What if the employer is slow
Back pay is owed from the first pay reference period on or after the birthday until the rate is corrected. Arrears are recoverable for six years and are calculated at the current rate, not the historic rate.
Apprentice 12-month rule alongside birthday
An apprentice does not graduate the apprentice rate on their 19th birthday alone. They must also have completed 12 months on the apprenticeship. Both conditions must hold for the apprentice rate to endacas.org.uk.