Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the National Minimum Wage in the UK from April 2026?
From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71/hour. The rate for 18–20 year olds is £10.85/hour, and for 16–17 year olds £8.00/hour. The apprentice rate is £7.55/hour for apprentices aged under 19, or in their first year.
Full answer
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are statutory minimum pay rates set by the government and reviewed annually, usually taking effect from 1 April. For the period from April 2026: National Living Wage (aged 21+): £12.71/hour. Age 18–20: £10.85/hour. Age 16–17: £8.00/hour. Apprentice rate: £7.55/hour (applies to apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship). The NLW replaced the previous adult NMW from April 2016. The government's target is for the NLW to reach two-thirds of median earnings, meaning it typically outpaces general wage growth. These rates apply to nearly all workers including agency workers, casual workers, zero-hours contract workers, agricultural workers and home workers. They do not apply to the genuinely self-employed, volunteers, company directors without a contract of employment, or armed forces personnel. Employers must pay at least the NMW/NLW for all hours worked, including travel time between jobs, time at mandatory training, and time waiting to work. The hourly rate must be checked against total remuneration divided by hours worked — if bonuses, commission or tips take average hourly pay above NMW, that is acceptable, but employers cannot use tips to make up NMW shortfalls for workers who are not customer-facing in the tipping industry.
Try the calculator
More answers
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.