The official minimum rates of pay rose for 2.7 million workers on 1 April. The rate for workers aged 21 and over is called the National Living Wage, while those aged 18 to 20 are paid the National Minimum Wage. From 1 April 2026, workers over 21 on the National Living Wage are paid £12.71 an hour, 50p more than in 2025.
For someone working full time (37.5 hours a week), that amounts to £24,784.50 a year - an increase of £900. The rate for 18 to 20-year-olds has gone up to £10.85 an hour. It amounts to an increase of £1,500 a year for a full-time worker.
The government said its goal is to eventually scrap this separate rate for 18 to 20-year-olds, and have one rate for all adults. The minimum wage for 16 and 17-year-olds has also risen to £8 an hour. There are different rates of pay for apprentices, external depending on their age and what stage of apprenticeship they are in.
Apprentices aged 16 to 18 are entitled to the National Minimum Wage rate for that age group which is currently £8. Those aged 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship, are paid the same amount. But those over 19 - or who have already completed their first year - are entitled to the appropriate National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.
What is an apprenticeship and how much is the pay? Some workers do not qualify for either the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage. This includes the self-employed, company directors, volunteers, members of the armed forces and prisoners.
People with disabilities or in long-term unemployment who take part in government work programmes are paid fixed amounts at different stages of the scheme. These are less than the equivalent National Minimum or Living rate. It is a criminal offence for employers not to pay the correct National Minimum and Living Wages to eligible employees.
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