Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the National Living Wage in 2026/27?
The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over in 2026/27 is £12.21 per hour, effective from 1 April 2026 (unchanged from 2025/26). Workers aged 18–20 get £10.00/hour. Under-18s and apprentices get £7.55/hour. These are minimums — employers can pay more.
Full answer
The **National Living Wage (NLW)** and **National Minimum Wage (NMW)** are the legal minimum hourly pay rates in the UK. They are set by the government each April following Low Pay Commission recommendations. **2026/27 rates (from 1 April 2026):** | Age group | Hourly rate | |---|---| | 21 and over (National Living Wage) | **£12.21** | | 18–20 | **£10.00** | | Under 18 | **£7.55** | | Apprentices (under 19, or first year of apprenticeship) | **£7.55** | Note: These rates were set for 2025/26 effective from April 2025. HMRC has not yet confirmed whether they will change from April 2026 — check gov.uk for official 2026/27 rates closer to the date. **Annual income at NLW (full time, 40 hrs/week, 52 weeks):** £12.21 × 40 × 52 = **£25,396.80/year** — below the higher-rate threshold and above the Personal Allowance, meaning around £2,566 Income Tax and ~£1,013 NI. **History of NLW increases:** | Year | NLW rate | |---|---| | 2015 (introduced) | £6.70 | | 2018 | £7.83 | | 2020 | £8.72 | | 2022 | £9.50 | | 2023 | £10.42 | | 2024 | £11.44 | | 2025 | £12.21 | **National Living Wage vs Real Living Wage:** The NLW is a legal minimum. The **Real Living Wage** is a voluntary higher rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual cost of living: **£12.60/hour** outside London, **£13.85/hour** in London (2025/26 rates). Over 14,000 UK employers voluntarily pay the Real Living Wage. **Enforcement:** HMRC's National Minimum Wage team enforces minimum wage compliance. Workers who are underpaid have the right to arrears — employers face penalties of 200% of unpaid wages (up to £20,000 per worker) and public naming. Workers can report non-compliance via the Acas helpline (0300 123 1100).
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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.