National Living Wage · 2025/26 (April 2025)
UK Minimum Wage 2025
From 1 April 2025 the National Living Wage rose to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over — a 6.7% increase on the previous £11.44. All age band rates and annual earnings calculations are shown below.
Rates from 1 April 2025
NLW — effective 1 April 2025
£12.21/hr+6.7% from £11.44
National Living Wage (age 21+)
NMW
£10.00/hr+16.3% from £8.60
Development rate (age 18–20)
NMW — school leaving age to 17
£7.55/hr+18.0% from £6.40
Young workers rate (under 18)
NMW — under 19 or first-year apprentice
£7.55/hr+18.0% from £6.40
Apprentice rate
Annual & Monthly Earnings at £12.21/hr
| Hours/week | Weekly gross | Monthly gross | Annual gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37.5 hrs | £457.88 | £1,984.13 | £23,809.50 |
| 40 hrs | £488.40 | £2,116.40 | £25,396.80 |
Gross earnings before Income Tax and National Insurance. 40 h/week: £12.21 × 40 × 52 = £25,396.80/yr.
Key Changes in April 2025
| Rate | April 2024 | April 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (age 21+) | £11.44 | £12.21 | +6.7% |
| Development rate (age 18–20) | £8.60 | £10.00 | +16.3% |
| Young workers rate (under 18) | £6.40 | £7.55 | +18.0% |
| Apprentice rate | £6.40 | £7.55 | +18.0% |
FAQs
What is the UK minimum wage from April 2025?
From 1 April 2025 the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour — a rise of 77p (6.7%) from £11.44. The development rate for 18–20-year-olds is £10.00/hr, and the rate for workers under 18 and for qualifying apprentices is £7.55/hr.
How much is £12.21 per hour as an annual salary?
£12.21/hr × 40 hours × 52 weeks = £25,396.80 gross per year. Over a 37.5-hour week it is £23,809.50/yr. After Income Tax and National Insurance a 40-hour-week worker on NLW would take home approximately £21,200 (2025/26 rates, no pension or student loan).
Why did the minimum wage increase by so much in 2025?
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommended the 6.7% rise to move the NLW closer to two-thirds of median earnings — the government's stated long-term target. The April 2025 increase also followed several years of above-inflation uplifts aimed at narrowing the gap between the NLW and typical wages.
Did the apprentice rate change in 2025?
Yes. The apprentice rate rose from £6.40 to £7.55/hr (+17.97%) in April 2025. This applies to apprentices under 19, or those 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19+ beyond their first year are entitled to the rate for their age band.
When will the 2026 minimum wage be announced?
The government typically accepts LPC recommendations in the autumn and confirms rates for the following April. The 2026/27 rates (effective 1 April 2026) have been set at £12.71/hr for the NLW — a 4.1% increase on 2025. Check gov.uk for the latest announcements.
Related
Disclaimer: Rates are for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Always verify the current statutory rates at gov.uk.