Answers · UK 2025/26
Is the minimum wage different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
No -- the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates are set entirely by the UK Government and apply identically across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From April 2026 the National Living Wage (21+) is £12.71 an hour everywhere in the UK.
Full answer
Unlike Income Tax, which Scotland and (in principle) Wales can vary, the minimum wage is a reserved, UK-wide matter entirely controlled by the UK Government on the advice of the Low Pay Commission, and it is identical in every UK nation and region -- there is no regional or devolved variation at all. For pay reference periods starting on or after 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour, the rate for 18-20 year olds is £10.85 an hour, and the rate for 16-17 year olds and apprentices in their first year (or under 19) is £8.00 an hour, applying equally in Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and London. What can differ between nations, however, is the real living wage, a voluntary rate calculated independently by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs, which some employers choose to pay even though it is not a legal requirement -- and local authorities or the devolved governments themselves sometimes commit to paying it (or requiring contractors to pay it) as a policy choice, creating an effective 'floor' above the statutory minimum in some public-sector and voluntary-adopter workplaces. But this is an employer choice, not a legal regional minimum wage difference -- the statutory National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage themselves remain uniform UK-wide.
Try the calculator
This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.