Important employment law dates for April 2021
The start of a new financial year means it is often a natural time for the government to introduce new legislation. This year is no exception.
1 April 2021 – National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases
As of today, the National Living Wage will rise from £8.72 to £8.91 an hour. For the first time the National Living Wage has been extended to 23 and 24 year olds (not in the first year of an apprenticeship). Previously the National Living Wage only applied to 25 year olds and older. All other National Minimum Wage rates will also increase. Below is a breakdown of all the increases:
| Age bracket | From 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 | From 1st April 2021 |
|
23+ (Previously 25+) |
£8.72 | £8.91 |
|
21 to 22 (Previously 21 to 24) |
£8.20 | £8.36 |
|
18 to 20 |
£6.45 | £6.56 |
|
Under 18 |
£4.55 | £4.62 |
|
Apprentice rate 1 |
£4.15 | £4.30 |
4 April 2021 – Statutory pay increases
The following statutory pay increases from £151.20 to £151.97 per week (or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings if this figure is less than the statutory rate):
- Statutory Maternity Pay*
- Statutory Adoption Pay
- Statutory Paternity Pay
- Statutory Shared Parental Pay
- Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay
The threshold to qualify for these statutory remains at average weekly earnings of £120.
*Please note that the weekly rate for Statutory Maternity Pay for the first 6 weeks is 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.
6 April 2021 – Statutory Sick Pay increases
The rate of Statutory Sick Pay increases from £95.85 to £96.35.
Please note to qualify for Statutory Sick Pay an employee or worker must earn an average of at least £120 per week and have been sick, self-isolating or ‘shielding’ for at least four days in a row.
If you are an employer and need advice regarding these changes, or any other employment law issues, then please contact me directly via 01752 203500 or email kayleigh.arthurs@GAsolicitors.com.