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UK Salary Changes in April 2025: What Line Managers, HR & Job Seekers Need to Know
Key Changes at a Glance
National Minimum & Living Wage Increases (Effective 1 April 2025)
Pay rises across all age groups mean higher wages for workers and increased costs for employers.
Age Group | Current Rate | New Rate (April 2025) | % Increase |
21+ (National Living Wage) | £11.44 | £12.21 | 6.7% |
18–20 | £8.60 | £10.00 | 16.3% |
16–17 & Apprentices | £6.40 | £7.55 | 18% |
What this means:
- Job seekers – Expect better pay in lower-wage roles.
- HR & hiring managers – Budget adjustments needed for new hires & existing staff.
Employer National Insurance (NICs) Changes (Effective 6 April 2025)
Businesses will face higher employment costs due to a rise in NICs and lower thresholds.
NICs Change | Current | New (April 2025) |
Employer NICs Rate | 13.8% | 15% |
Salary Threshold for Employer NICs | £9,100 | £5,000 |
What this means:
- HR & Finance teams – Increased payroll costs; strategic workforce planning is essential.
- Line managers – Expect potential wage budget discussions.
Statutory Payment Increases (Effective 6 April 2025)
Sick pay and family-related statutory benefits are going up.
Payment Type | Current Rate | New Rate (April 2025) |
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) | £116.75/week | £118.75/week |
Maternity/Paternity/Shared Parental Pay | £184.03/week | £187.18/week |
What this means:
- HR teams – Policy updates needed for payroll compliance.
- Employees – A slight improvement in financial support during leave.
What Should You Do Next?
For HR & Line Managers
✔ Update Payroll Systems – Ensure all salary adjustments are in place before April.
✔ Review Budgets – Prepare for increased wage bills and NICs costs.
✔ Adjust Hiring Strategies – Factor in wage changes when budgeting for new hires.
✔ Communicate Changes – Inform employees about pay adjustments transparently.
For Job Seekers & Employees
✔ Know Your Worth – Expect better pay, especially in lower-wage jobs.
✔ Negotiate Smartly – Use these increases to strengthen your case for fair pay.
✔ Stay Informed – Keep up with HR policies and payroll updates at your workplace.
