These rates apply to anyone over school leaving age.

The apprentice rate make the biggest leap from last year’s rate of £2.73.

The apprentice rate applies to those who are 16-18 as well as to those aged 19 or above who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Employers who pay at or around the National Minimum Wage need to prepare for the National Living Wage rate which comes into effect in April 2016. The National Living Wage will only apply to workers aged 25 and older and will be £7.20 per hour.