Minimum wage

If you’re serving in the armed forces, your pay is set differently from civilian jobs. Military salaries are set by the Ministry of Defence, based on recommendations from the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body.

This means the National Minimum Wage rules don’t apply in the same way as they do in civilian employment. Instead, your pay is determined through a structured pay system, which sets your level of pay based on factors such as your rank, experience, performance and trade or specialism.

If you’re working in a civilian job, including as a reservist, veteran, or military family member, minimum wage law does apply.

The National Minimum Wage is the lowest hourly rate of pay that employers are legally required to pay. The exact rate depends on your age or whether you’re an apprentice, and these figures are updated regularly on the official gov.uk website. 

It’s against the law for an employer to pay you less than this amount for the hours you work.

It’s your employer’s responsibility to make sure you are paid at least the minimum wage. But it’s also important that you check. 

Your boss can take money out of your wages for certain things, like uniforms. But they must make sure that, after the deduction, you’re still earning at least the National Minimum Wage.

Some deductions don’t count towards this rule, meaning they can take you below minimum wage and it’s still allowed. These include things like tax and National Insurance, student loan repayments, money you’ve chosen to put into a pension, paying back wages you were overpaid by mistake. 

In short, employers can’t cut your wages below minimum wage for costs that relate to your work like uniforms. But they can for legal deductions like tax, pensions or correcting an overpayment.

Alongside the minimum wage, there is also the living wage. This is a higher rate of pay that some employers choose to offer. 

It’s based on the actual cost of living, so it’s intended to give workers enough to meet everyday needs. In London, where living costs are higher, the living wage rate is also set higher than in the rest of the UK. 

When you’re considering a civilian job, it’s worth checking whether the employer pays the living wage. This can help you decide whether the role will support your needs and lifestyle.

Like the National Minimum Wage, the living wage framework does not apply to armed forces pay. Military salaries are set separately by the Ministry of Defence.

However, if you’re serving, depending on your role and location, you may also receive additional allowances. For example, some roles in Greater London receive Recruitment and Retention Allowance. This is designed to help offset the higher cost of living and support personnel serving in those locations.

If you notice that your civilian pay is incorrect or below the legal minimum, raise the issue with your employer straight away. If it isn’t resolved, there are organisations that offer free and confidential support. 

If you notice that your military pay looks incorrect, contact your unit HR, or administrative office, or raise a query through the JPA system so it can be reviewed.

To keep yourself in control, make it a habit to: check the current minimum wage rates on the gov.uk website, review your payslip regularly, and speak up if something doesn’t look right. Knowing your rights helps you make better decisions about your work and your money. Whether you’re serving, or working in civilian employment.