Data shows that nearly one fifth of apprentices at Level two and Level three are paid less than the appropriate National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. The current rates, which increased on 1st April 2018, are as follows:

Apprentices are entitled to the Apprentice rate of £3.70 per hour if they are:

• Aged under 19
• Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the age-related minimum wage:

• 19 to 20 year olds entitled to at least £5.90 per hour
• 21 to 24 year olds entitled to at least £7.38 per hour
• 25 year olds and over entitled to at least £7.83 per hour

The Government is currently running a campaign advising apprentices to check their pay and complain if they are being paid incorrectly. If you are not paying the correct rate you may receive a Notice of Underpayment from HMRC, setting out the arrears to be paid to the worker together with a penalty. Employers may also be publicly named.