Wages rose for three and a half million low-paid workers on 1 April, when the new rates for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage took effect.
The pay rates are set by the government every year on the advice of an independent group, the Low Pay Commission, and apply across the whole of the UK.
A higher hourly rate called the Real Living Wage, paid voluntarily by some UK firms to almost half a million people, has also increased.
Since April 2024, the National Living Wage has applied to employees aged 21 and over. Previously, you had to be 23.
On 1 April 2025, the National Living Wage went up from 11.44 an hour to 12.21, an increase of 6.7%.
The government said the increase was worth 1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker.
Younger employees - aged between 16 and 20 - are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage.
On 1 April, the 18-20-year-old-rate rose from 8.60 an hour to 10, a rise of 16.3%.
The government said the increase was worth 2,500 for an eligible full-time worker.
At the same time, the 16-17-year-old-rate went up from 6.40 an hour to 7.55, an 18% increase.
There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what stage of your apprenticeship you are in.
Apprentices aged 16 to 18 are entitled to the National Minimum Wage rate for that age group...
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