The minimum wage rates in Northern Ireland depend on the age of the employee and whether they are an apprentice. The rates change every April. As of April 2023, the minimum wage rates are as follows:

• National Living Wage (23 years old and over): £10.42 per hour
• 21-22 years old: £10.18 per hour
• 18-20 years old: £7.49 per hour
• Under 18 years old: £5.28 per hour
• Apprentice: £5.28 per hour for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over who are in the first year of apprenticeship

It is important to note that no worker can be paid less than the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rates, but some agricultural workers must be paid more than the NMW or NLW because there is a higher Agricultural Minimum Wage rate. If an employee thinks they have been underpaid the minimum wage, they should approach their employer in the first instance to try to sort things out. If that doesn’t work, they may want to report their employer by completing the pay and work rights complaint form online or by calling the Labour Relations Agency for free and confidential advice.