2015 has already seen the introduction of potentially
significant changes for HR professionals, most notably the
introduction of Shared Parental Leave. On 1 October, further
changes are coming into force.
National Minimum Wage (NMW) – rate increases
From 1 October, the new hourly rates apply:
Standard adult (workers aged 21 and over): GBP 6.70
Youth development (workers aged 18-20): GBP 5.30
Young workers (workers aged 16-17): GBP 3.87
Of greater significance for employers, however, is the
introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2016 which
will apply to workers aged 25 and over, and will effectively
replace the existing NMW for these workers.
The living wage is based on the amount an individual needs to
earn to cover the basic costs of living. The hourly rate is higher
than the NMW and at the moment it is an informal benchmark which
employers choose to pay on a voluntary basis.
