Key increases to employment-related figures in April 2019: minimum wage, pension contributions and more

March 6, 2019

 

To correspond with the start of a new tax year, a number of employment-related minimum figures will increase in April 2019, including:

Minimum wage

On 1 April 2019 the National Living Wage (for those aged 25 and over) will increase from £7.83 to £8.21 an hour. This is a compulsory minimum rate and is not to be confused with the “real Living Wage” set by the charity, Living Wage Foundation, which is a voluntary commitment to which employers may sign up – that rate is currently £9.00 an hour, or £10.55 in London.

The other minimum wages for those aged under 25 will also increase as follows:

  • For 21-24s, the National Minimum Wage will increase from £7.38 to £7.70 an hour;

  • For 18-20 year-olds, the rate will increase from £5.90 to £6.15;

  • For 16-17 year-olds, the rate will increase from £4.20 to £4.35; and

  • For apprentices (who are under 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship), the rate will increase from £3.70 to £3.90.

Pension contributions

The minimum contributions which employees and employers are required to pay into their pension schemes under the auto-enrolment regime will also increase.

From 6 April 2019, the total minimum contribution rate will increase from 5% to 8%. Of this, the employer will be required to contribute at least 3% (an increase from 2%), so that employees who wish to remain enrolled in a pension scheme will now be required to pay in at least 5% of their salary (up from 3%).

Under the auto-enrolment regime, employers are required to automatically enrol all eligible staff into a suitable pension scheme and ensure that the above minimum contributions are paid – unless the employee expressly “opts out” of the pension scheme in writing.

Statutory redundancy pay

The limit on the meaning of “a week’s pay” for the purposes of calculating statutory redundancy pay will increase from £508 to £525 on 6 April.

This will mean that the maximum amount of statutory redundancy pay an employee can receive if they are made redundant will increase from £15,240 to £15,750. However, this figure will only apply to those with at least 20 years’ service and who are aged 60+ at the time of being made redundant. This is because the calculation of statutory redundancy pay is based on an employee’s age and length of service at the date of termination, as well as their weekly pay.

Compensation for unfair dismissal

The maximum amount of compensation for those who are unfairly dismissed will increase from £83,682 to £86,444 (plus the value of their statutory redundancy pay). This will mean that those earning at least that amount per year will still only be able to recover that figure in compensation, even if they suffer a significantly higher loss of earnings.

For those whose annual salary is less than £86,444, their compensation will be capped at the value of a year’s gross salary.

These are maximum figures and it is rare for employees to recover as much as the statutory cap on compensation.

However, in cases involving discrimination or whistleblowing, the cap does not apply so it is possible for employees to recover a larger amount.

 

 

Contact Our Team
Catherine Burke
Partner
View Profile
Damian Phillips
Partner
View Profile
Fflur Jones
Managing Partner
View Profile
Gareth Wedge
Partner
View Profile
Mark Rostron
Partner
View Profile
Nick O’Sullivan
Partner
View Profile
Owen John
Partner
View Profile
Rhodri Lewis
Partner
View Profile
Stephen Thompson
Partner
View Profile

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee, Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper, ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale, Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth, Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani, Property Support Services UK Ltd

We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”

Guto Bebb, Farmers’ Union of Wales

Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”

Iwan Hywel, Mentrau Iaith Cymru

My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”

Margot Adams, Guarding UK Ltd