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

Full answer

**UK minimum wage rates for under-18s** The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over. Workers aged 16–20 receive age-specific National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates that are lower. **Confirmed 2025/26 rates (from April 2025)** | Age group | Rate per hour | |---|---| | 21 and over (NLW) | £12.21 | | 18–20 | £10.00 | | 16–17 | £6.40 | | Apprentices (under 19, or in first year) | £6.40 | **2026/27 estimated rates (from April 2026)** The Low Pay Commission (LPC) typically recommends upratings each autumn for the following April. Estimated 2026/27 rates: - NLW (21+): ~£12.60/hr - 18–20: ~£10.30/hr - 16–17: ~£6.60/hr These are estimates. Confirm the official rate from April 2026 on GOV.UK before processing payroll. **Who is not entitled to minimum wage?** - Workers under school leaving age (typically 16 in England) - Genuinely self-employed workers - Volunteers - Family members living in the employer's household **Apprentices** Apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19+ but in their first year of an apprenticeship, receive the apprentice rate (£6.40 in 2025/26, est. £6.60 in 2026/27). After the first year of an apprenticeship, workers aged 19+ move to the standard age-group rate. **Example: James, 17, part-time retail worker** James works 15 hours/week. At £6.40/hr his gross pay is £96/week (£4,992/year). Well below the personal allowance (£12,570), so no income tax. No NI below the primary threshold (£12,570/year). His employer's NI applies above the secondary threshold of £5,000/year, but James's pay falls below this too — so no employer NI either. **Enforcement** HMRC enforces minimum wage. Employers underpaying face arrears, a penalty of 200% of underpayment (up to £20,000 per worker), and potential public naming.