Minimum Wage Increases Across the UK

The minimum wage for millions of workers across the United Kingdom has increased as of April 1, 2026. Approximately 2.7 million employees are affected by the new rates.

The National Living Wage, which applies to workers aged 21 and over, has been raised to £12.71 per hour. This represents an increase of £0.50 per hour from the previous year. For an individual working a full-time schedule of 37.5 hours per week, this amounts to an annual income of £24,784.50, an increase of £900.

For younger workers aged 18 to 20, the National Minimum Wage has been set at £10.85 per hour. This is an increase of £0.85 per hour, resulting in an additional £1,500 annually for full-time employees. The government has stated an intention to eventually phase out this separate rate for 18 to 20-year-olds, aiming for a single minimum wage rate for all adults.

The minimum wage for 16 and 17-year-olds has also seen an increase, now set at £8 per hour.

Apprentices have different pay rates depending on their age and apprenticeship stage. Those aged 16 to 18 are entitled to the National Minimum Wage rate for their age group, which is £8 per hour. Apprentices aged 19, or those in their first year of an apprenticeship, receive the same amount. However, apprentices over 19, or those who have completed their first year, are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage appropriate for their age.

Certain groups of workers are not eligible for the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. These include the self-employed, company directors, volunteers, members of the armed forces, and prisoners. Individuals with disabilities or those participating in government work programs for the long-term unemployed receive fixed amounts that vary by stage of the scheme, often falling below the standard minimum wage rates.

Some companies voluntarily pay employees at or above the legal minimum. The Real Living Wage, overseen by the Living Wage Foundation charity, is set at a rate intended to cover the cost of living. This rate is reviewed and updated annually in October. In October 2026, the UK rate is set to increase to £14.10 per hour, while the London Living Wage will rise to £15.45 per hour. The Living Wage Foundation reports that nearly 500,000 employees across nearly 17,000 firms receive this voluntary wage.