The government announced increased rates to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the Spring Budget 2025.  This increase reflects the government's commitment to aligning wages with the cost of living.

These adjustments aim to support workers across various age groups, ensuring fair compensation and promoting economic well-being.​ It is essential that employers are aware of these changes, as they will have a significant impact on their financial planning.

Overview of wage increases

Effective from 1 April 2025, the following wage rates have been implemented.

These adjustments are part of the government's broader strategy to ensure that wages keep pace with living costs, thereby enhancing the financial stability of workers.​

Implications for employers

While the wage increases support workers, they also present challenges for employers:​

• Increased payroll costs: Employers will need to adjust their payroll budgets to accommodate the higher wage rates.​
• National Insurance Contributions (NICs): From April 2025, employer NICs have risen from 13.8% to 15%, and the threshold for contributions has been lowered from £9,100 to £5,000. This change increases the cost of employing staff. ​

We suggest that this is a good time to review your financial plans and consider strategies to manage these additional costs effectively.​ This is particularly important if you plan to grow your business and hire more people over the coming year.

If you would like advice on payroll or financial planning, then please do get in touch by calling us on 01623 490 120 or emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.