UK minimum wage: National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour

Two terms are used in the UK: the National Living Wage (NLW), the rate for workers aged 21 and over, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which sets lower rates for younger workers and apprentices. The rates change every year on 1 April.

Current rates

According to GOV.UK, the following minimum hourly rates apply from 1 April 2026:

• aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71,
• aged 18 to 20: £10.85,
• under 18: £8,
• apprentices: £8.

An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to £12.71.

How much the rates rose

A year earlier, from April 2025 to March 2026, the rates were £12.21, £10, £7.55 and £7.55 respectively. The rise for those aged 21 and over is 50p, or 4.1%. The rate for 18 to 20-year-olds rose by 85p (8.5%), and for 16 to 17-year-olds and apprentices by 45p (6%).

The government also published a new accommodation offset, the amount an employer can count towards pay when providing a worker with accommodation. It is £11.10, up 44p (4.1%).

Where the rates come from

The new rates put into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission in autumn 2025. The commission has said it is already gathering evidence for next year's recommendations. It said the current economic uncertainty makes it important to hear from people affected by the minimum wage.

What this means for you

The rates apply to all workers in the UK, regardless of nationality. If an employer pays less than the rate for your age, you can report it. When checking your pay, it is worth confirming your age band and whether you are an apprentice. People living in accommodation provided by their employer should know the accommodation offset limit. Details and a calculator are available on GOV.UK.