National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates (April 2026)
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage is £12.71 (21+), the 18–20 rate is £10.85, and the 16–17 and apprentice rate is £8.00.
From 1 April 2026, the statutory minimum hourly pay rates increase across all age bands. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over rises by 4.1% to £12.71/hour — the largest adult rate in the scheme's history.
All rates from 1 April 2026
- National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71/hour (up from £12.21, a 4.1% increase).
- 18 to 20: £10.85/hour (up from £10.00, an 8.5% increase).
- 16 to 17: £8.00/hour (up from £7.55, a 6% increase).
- Apprentices (under 19, or 19+ in their first year): £8.00/hour (same as 16-17 rate).
- Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (up from £10.66).
After the first year, apprentices aged 19+ are entitled to the NMW rate for their age group.
What counts as pay for NMW purposes
Included:
- Basic pay, piece-rate pay, output pay.
- Commission and incentive payments (subject to specific rules).
Excluded:
- Tips and gratuities.
- Service charges paid through a tronc.
- Overtime premium (the premium portion, not the basic-rate portion of overtime).
- Shift premiums.
- Bank holiday premiums.
- Allowances (other than those that compensate for the work itself).
Record-keeping
Employers must keep records sufficient to demonstrate NMW compliance for at least three years (six years is safer for evidential purposes). Records must cover every worker, not just those whose pay is close to the threshold.
Enforcement
The Fair Work Agency (launched April 2026) is the enforcement body. Penalties of up to 200% of underpayment apply, plus public naming. Tribunals can also award arrears of pay.
Salaried workers whose hourly equivalent falls below the NMW (often as a result of unpaid overtime or attendance at training events) are a common source of underpayment claims.
ERA 2025 context
The launch of the Fair Work Agency and the substantial uprating of NMW rates make compliance more visible and higher-risk. Routine NMW audits — especially in sectors with variable hours, tipping arrangements, or apprentice-heavy workforces — are now a basic risk-management task.
Real Living Wage (voluntary)
Separately, the Real Living Wage (not a legal requirement) is set by the Living Wage Foundation and from May 2026 is £13.45/hour outside London and £14.80/hour in London. Over 16,000 UK employers voluntarily pay this higher rate.
Official sources: GOV.UK — National Minimum Wage rates and GOV.UK — Calculating the Minimum Wage.
This article is verified against guidance published by GOV.UK.
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