UK Minimum Wage April 2026 — New Rates, Who Gets a Rise and by How Much

On 1 April 2026, the UK saw another significant, legally enforced increase to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. With millions of workers impacted across the country, it is critical to ensure your employer has actually applied the new rates to your pay packet.

Based on the latest announcements from the Low Pay Commission and the government, here are the exact, up-to-date hourly rates for every age bracket in 2026, and how to verify you aren't being shortchanged.

UK Minimum Wage Rates From April 2026

The rates are strictly divided by age and apprenticeship status. It is illegal for any employer to pay you below these thresholds.

National Living Wage (21 and over) — £12.71/hr

If you are 21 or older, you are entitled to the top tier, known as the National Living Wage. This rate saw a substantial increase for the 2026/27 financial year, jumping to £12.71 per hour.

Ages 18 to 20 — £10.85/hr

Historically, the gap between younger workers and the National Living Wage was vast. In 2026, the government continued its push to close this gap, bringing the rate for 18 to 20-year-olds up to £10.85 per hour.

Under 18 — £8.00/hr

If you are 16 or 17 and have finished school, your legal minimum is now £8.00 per hour.

Apprentice Rate — £8.00/hr

Apprentices also saw their minimum wage jump to £8.00 per hour. However, this rate only applies to apprentices in their first year of an apprenticeship, or those who are under 19. If you are 19 or older and have completed your first year, you are legally entitled to the standard minimum wage for your age group.

How Much More Will You Earn Per Year at the New Rate?

For a full-time worker (37.5 hours a week) over the age of 21, the new £12.71 rate equates to a gross annual salary of roughly £24,784. Depending on what you were earning last year, this increase can put an extra £1,000 to £1,500 in your pocket before tax.

When Will the Increase Actually Hit My Bank Account?

While the new rates came into effect on 1 April 2026, you might not see it in your very next payslip. Legally, the new rate applies to the first full pay reference period starting on or after 1 April.

If you are paid monthly on the 15th of every month, your "pay reference period" likely runs from the 16th to the 15th. This means your pay from 16 March to 15 April might still use the old rate, and the new £12.71 rate won't kick in until your mid-May pay packet. Check with your payroll department to confirm your exact dates.

How to Check If Your Employer Has Updated Your Pay

Do not simply assume your employer has updated their payroll software. Mistakes are incredibly common, particularly for salaried workers. If you are on an annual salary of £24,000 but work 40 hours a week, your effective hourly rate is only £11.53—meaning you are now being illegally underpaid if you are over 21.

The Accommodation Offset also changed in April 2026, rising to £11.10 a day. This is the maximum amount an employer can deduct from your minimum wage if they provide you with living accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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