Minimum Wage Under 16: Common Myths and Mistakes Explained

Common Myths and Mistakes About the Minimum Wage Under 16

Many young workers and their employers are unsure about the rules for paying under-16s. A common misconception is that there is a statutory minimum wage for all workers, regardless of age. In fact, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) only applies from the school leaving age, which is 16. There is no legal minimum wage under 16. This means that employers of children under 16 are not required by law to pay a minimum hourly rate, though other employment laws still apply.

However, once a young person turns 16, they become eligible for the NMW. From April 2026, the rate for workers aged 16 and 17 is £8.00 per hour, the same as the apprentice rate. For those aged 18 to 20, the rate rises to £10.85, and for those aged 21 and over, the National Living Wage (NLW) is £12.71 per hour. These rates are set by the Low Pay Commission and are reviewed annually.

Another myth is that all under-18s are entitled to the apprentice rate. In reality, the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies only to apprentices who are either under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. A 16-year-old who is not an apprentice is entitled to the under-18 rate, which is also £8.00. So the rate is the same, but the entitlement differs.

A mistake some employers make is assuming that they can pay a lower wage to a 16-year-old who is still in school. Even if the young person is in compulsory education, once they are 16, the NMW applies. There is no exemption for school attendance.

It is also important to understand that the NLW (age 21+) is not the same as the Living Wage Foundation's real living wage, which is a voluntary higher rate. The statutory NLW is the legal minimum.

For workers under 16, there is no statutory minimum, but employers must still comply with other regulations, such as health and safety and working time limits. Some employers choose to pay a fair wage voluntarily, but there is no legal obligation.

To check your rights, use the UK Minimum Wage page for an overview, or visit our pay guides for detailed breakdowns by age and sector.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that in April 2025, around 6.5% of all employee jobs were paid at or below the minimum wage. For young workers, the proportion is higher: 18.2% of jobs held by 18-20 year olds were at the NMW rate, and 22.9% of jobs for 16-17 year olds. This shows that many young workers are on the minimum wage, so understanding the correct rate is crucial.

If you are under 16 and working, you may not be entitled to the NMW, but you should still be paid a reasonable amount. If you are 16 or over, check that your employer is paying at least the correct NMW rate for your age. You can use the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator to verify.

Common mistakes include confusing the apprentice rate with the under-18 rate, assuming that under-16s have a minimum wage, and forgetting that the NLW applies from age 21 (not 25 as in previous years). The age threshold for the NLW was lowered to 21 from April 2024.

In summary, the minimum wage under 16 does not exist as a statutory requirement. From age 16, the NMW applies at £8.00 per hour for 16-17 year olds. Always check the current rates and your employment contract.