In November last year, the Chancellor announced that there would be an increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

Rates depend on a worker’s age, if you are an apprentice or if you are over 25. If you are over 25, then you are entitled to the National Living Wage instead.

What is the difference between National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage is the lowest rate that can be paid to a worker who is aged 25 or over. The National Minimum Wage is a set of hourly rates that depend on a worker’s age to determine the rate of hourly pay you receive. However, here at Premier Placement Services, we always aim to pay our staff, regardless of age, the National Living Wage.

According to the Low Pay Commission, this year’s increase will be the largest increase in a decade for 18-20 and 21-24 year olds. All employers must comply with these changes, so what will you be entitled to?

Entitlements and timescale

The increase comes into effect from 1 April 2018 when workers will be entitled to the following:

Age Current Rate New Rate
Aged 16–17 £4.05 p/hr £4.20 p/hr
Aged 18-20 £5.60 p/hr £5.90 p/hr
Aged 21-24 £7.05 p/hr £7.38 p/hr
Aged 25+ £7.50 p/hr £7.83 p/hr

 

What does all this mean for skilled workers?

The increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage means that the gap is closing on skilled workers’ wages and the skills shortage is becoming more prevalent. However, for individuals that choose skilled roles or even driving as a career, job opportunities are widely available as demand increases.

Certainly, as the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage has increased, incentives to join, for example, the driving industry, have grown less attractive. Over time, Premier Placement Services have seen more drivers setting up as limited companies to combat this, meaning that drivers are able to charge and off-set any expenses incurred.

A wide range of jobs with good and varying rates of pay

We are always looking for skilled workers or reliable drivers and have a wide range of both skilled and driving jobs available.

Take a look at all our professional driving jobs here. And, if even if you know a reliable HGV Driver who’s looking for work, recommend them and you could get £100*. Or take a look at the jobs available for skilled workers here.

You can also see our full range of jobs here.

*Conditions apply.