What is the minimum wage for workers under 18 in the UK in 2026/27?

Full answer

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates for 2026/27 set binding floors for every employer in the UK, with different rates for different age groups. All 2026/27 NMW and NLW rates -- Workers aged 21 and over: GBP 12.71/hr (National Living Wage) -- Workers aged 18 to 20: GBP 10.85/hr -- Workers aged 16 to 17: GBP 8.00/hr -- Apprentices under 19, or in the first year of an apprenticeship at any age: GBP 8.00/hr Once an apprentice completes their first year and is 19 or over, they move to the rate for their actual age. Workers under 16 The NMW does not apply to workers under school leaving age. Local authority by-laws and separate employment regulations govern what under-16s can be paid, but there is no national minimum. What counts as working time? Working time for NMW purposes includes all hours the worker is required to be at the employer's disposal, waiting time, travel between sites during the working day, and mandatory training. Commuting to and from home does not count. Sleep-in shifts in care settings may or may not count depending on the degree of responsibility required (complex case law). Deductions employers can make Employers cannot make deductions that reduce pay below the NMW -- except in limited circumstances. The accommodation offset for 2026/27 is GBP 11.10 per day: if the employer provides free accommodation, they can count up to GBP 11.10/day against the NMW obligation. Enforcement HMRC enforces the NMW on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade. Employers who underpay face: -- Arrears: must repay the full amount underpaid -- Penalty: 200% of the underpayment (minimum GBP 100, maximum GBP 20,000 per worker) -- Naming and shaming: HMRC publishes a list of employers found to have underpaid Example: 16-year-old on part-time hours A 16-year-old working 20 hours/week at GBP 8.00/hr earns GBP 8,320/year gross. This is well below the Personal Allowance of GBP 12,570, so no income tax is due. NI contributions only apply on earnings above the Primary Threshold of GBP 12,570/year, so no employee NI is deducted either. The take-home equals the gross: approximately GBP 160/week.

Try the calculator