Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the National Living Wage in 2025?
From 1 April 2025 the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £12.21 per hour. The 18–20 rate is £10.00, the 16–17 rate and apprentice rate are £7.55.
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The UK National Living Wage from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 is £12.21/hour for workers aged 21 and over — an increase from £11.44. For 18 to 20 year olds the rate is £10.00/hour. For 16 to 17 year olds and apprentices in the first year (or apprentices under 19), the rate is £7.55/hour. The accommodation offset is £10.66/day, £74.62/week. These are statutory minimums — employers must pay at least these rates by law. A full-time worker (37.5 hours/week, 52 weeks) on the National Living Wage earns approximately £23,810/year. The rates are recommended annually by the Low Pay Commission and announced in the Autumn Budget the previous year. The full National Living Wage has historically been targeted to reach two-thirds of median UK hourly earnings.
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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.