The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage are set by the UK government and apply across Northern Ireland in the same way as the rest of the UK. Rates are reviewed annually and normally change on 1 April.
How the rates are structured
There is not one single rate. The framework has bands:
- National Living Wage, the top band, which applies from a set age upwards.
- Younger worker bands, with separate rates below that age.
- The apprentice rate, which applies to apprentices under 19, and to apprentices of any age in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that first year an apprentice aged 19 or over moves to the normal rate for their age.
Because the figures change every April, always check the current amounts on the government's published rates at gov.uk before running payroll or accepting an offer. Our guide to apprentice pay in Northern Ireland explains how the apprentice band works in practice.
Who is entitled
Almost all workers in Northern Ireland are entitled, including part-time, casual, agency and temporary workers, and workers paid by the piece or on commission. Genuinely self-employed contractors and some family members working in a family business are outside the rules.
What counts towards the wage
Basic pay counts. Some things do not, and getting this wrong is the most common cause of an underpayment:
- Deductions for tools, uniform or equipment required for the job can pull pay below the legal minimum.
- Tips do not count towards the minimum wage.
- Unpaid time that is really working time, such as mandatory briefings, handovers or travel between assignments during the working day, must be paid.
What employers need to do
Check pay against the correct age band, re-check on every birthday, re-check every April, and keep records. HMRC enforces the minimum wage and can require arrears plus penalties, and employers who underpay can be named publicly.
Agency and temporary workers
Temporary workers placed by Rutledge are paid through our own PAYE payroll at or above the applicable rate, weekly, with holiday pay accrued. If you want to understand how agency pay, holiday and rights work, read agency temp work in NI.
Questions about pay in a role? Talk to your local branch or browse live vacancies.