From 1 April 2026, millions of workers across the UK will see their pay increase as the government raises the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates.
New Minimum Wage Rates
The new hourly rates will be:
- Age 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71
- Age 18–20: £10.85
- Age 16–17: £8.00
- Apprentices: £8.00
Employers must make sure they are paying at least these amounts from 1 April.
What This Means for Workers
For people earning minimum wage, this increase means slightly higher pay each week. Someone working full-time on the National Living Wage could earn around £20 more per week compared to the previous rate.
What This Means for Businesses
Businesses will need to update their payroll to reflect the new rates. Employers should check that all staff are paid correctly to avoid underpaying workers.
The annual minimum wage increase is designed to help workers keep up with rising living costs. While the change will benefit employees, it also means businesses need to plan for slightly higher wage costs.
You can read the official government guidance here: