Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the National Living Wage per hour from April 2026?
The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is estimated at approximately £12.60 per hour from April 2026, up from £12.21/hour in 2025. The exact 2026 rate is typically announced by the government in October/November 2025 following the Low Pay Commission's recommendations. Always verify the confirmed rate with gov.uk before payroll processing.
Full answer
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the statutory minimum hourly pay rate for workers aged 21 and over in the UK. It is set annually by the government, following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC). **Confirmed rate from April 2025: £12.21/hour** This is the in-force rate from 1 April 2025. **Estimated rate from April 2026: approximately £12.60/hour** The 2026 rate has not been definitively confirmed at the time of writing (June 2026). The LPC typically recommends the rate in October, with the government confirming it by November for implementation the following April. **National Minimum Wage rates (April 2025 -- confirmed)** | Age group | Rate from April 2025 | |---|---| | 21 and over (NLW) | £12.21/hour | | 18--20 | £10.00/hour | | 16--17 | £7.55/hour | | Apprentices | £7.55/hour | **Annual salary at NLW (full-time, 37.5 hours/week)** At £12.21/hour: £12.21 x 37.5 x 52 = £23,809/year At estimated £12.60/hour: £12.60 x 37.5 x 52 = £24,570/year **Worked example -- pay rise impact** A worker on 40 hours/week at the NLW: April 2025 weekly pay: £12.21 x 40 = £488.40/week Estimated April 2026 weekly pay: £12.60 x 40 = £504.00/week Estimated weekly increase: £15.60/week = £811.20/year **National Living Wage vs Living Wage Foundation** The NLW is the legal minimum. The Living Wage Foundation sets a separate, voluntary "real" Living Wage based on actual cost of living -- in 2025/26 this was £12.60/hour (£13.85 in London). Many employers voluntarily pay this higher rate. **Employer obligations** All workers aged 21+ must receive at least the NLW. Underpayment can result in HMRC penalties of 200% of the underpaid amount and public naming.
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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.