UK Recruitment Glossary
National Living Wage
In recruiter context
From April 2024, the NLW applies from age 21 (previously 23). Current rate is £11.44/hour for over-21s, £8.60 for 18-20s, £6.40 for 16-17s and apprentices. The rate changes every April and is announced in the autumn Budget. Don't confuse it with the Real Living Wage, which is a voluntary higher rate set by the Living Wage Foundation (£12.00 nationally, £13.15 in London for 2024). Employers paying below the legal NLW face HMRC enforcement, naming-and-shaming, and back-pay liabilities — it's one of the easiest tribunal wins.
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