What are Your Rights as a Young Worker in the UK

If you’re between 16 and 24 and working in the UK, here’s the deal: there’s a legal minimum amount your boss has to pay you, known as the national minimum wage. But mistakes happen, and some employers—big and small—get it wrong. Here’s how to make sure you’re not being shortchanged and what to do if you are.

What Is the National Minimum Wage?

The national minimum wage is the lowest amount your employer can legally pay you. It changes every year on 1 April, and the rates depend on your age or whether you’re an apprentice.

Here’s what you should be getting paid starting in April 2025:

• Under 18 / Apprentices: £7.55/hour
• 18–20: £10.00/hour
• 21 and older: £12.21/hour

Even if your pay is monthly or based on commission, your total earnings must match at least these hourly rates.

Here are the most common Red Flags that could lead to you being underpaid

Apprenticeships: To qualify for the lower apprentice rate, your role must include structured training. If not, you should be paid the rate for your age.

Uniform or Tools: If you’re required to buy a uniform, tools, or equipment for your job, these costs shouldn’t reduce your pay below the minimum wage.

Unpaid Work Hours: Time spent training, traveling for work, or starting shifts early must be paid. For example, if you clock in 15 minutes early to set up, that’s paid time.

April Pay Rises: Your rate should automatically go up in April and when you turn 18 or 21.

Accommodation Costs: If your employer provides housing, they can reduce your pay slightly—but only by a set amount.

Tips & Overtime: These extras can’t be used to “top up” your wages to meet the minimum.

Commission Work: Even in commission-only roles, your total pay must equal at least the minimum wage.

Big Companies Get It Wrong Too: Just because it’s a well-known employer (like EasyJet or Greggs) doesn’t mean they’re always right.