Millions of workers across the United Kingdom are set to see higher pay from April 2026 as new minimum wage rates come into effect. The increase applies to both the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage, potentially adding up to £975 per year for some full time employees.
The uplift reflects the government’s annual adjustment to statutory pay rates, which set the legal minimum employers must pay eligible workers.
Rates
From April 2026, updated hourly rates will apply based on age and employment status.
| Category | Current Rate | New Rate (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 | £12.71 |
| Age 18 to 20 | £10.00 | £10.50 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice Rate | £7.55 | £8.00 |
The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage applies to younger workers and apprentices.
The increase applies to both full time and part time employees, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Annual Impact
For a full time employee aged 21 or over, working 37.5 hours per week, the rise from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour equates to roughly £975 more per year before tax.
The exact annual increase depends on hours worked. Part time employees will see proportionate increases based on their contracted hours.
Eligibility
To qualify for the National Minimum Wage, a worker must have reached school leaving age. The National Living Wage applies to those aged 21 and over.
The apprentice rate applies to:
- Apprentices under 19
- Apprentices aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship
Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year are entitled to the minimum wage rate for their age group.
Employers are legally required to pay at least the applicable minimum rate. Failure to do so can result in penalties and enforcement action.
Exemptions
Not all individuals working in the UK are entitled to the minimum wage. Categories excluded from entitlement include:
- Self employed individuals running their own businesses
- Members of the armed forces
- Employees on certain government employment schemes
- Individuals on government pre apprenticeship programmes
- People undertaking work shadowing
- Employees below school leaving age
- Family members living in the employer’s household
- Participants in certain European Union initiatives such as Leonardo da Vinci, Erasmus+ and Comenius
- Individuals living and working within a religious community
- Company directors
- Prisoners
- Individuals undertaking a Jobcentre Plus work trial for up to six weeks
- Higher and further education students on work experience or placements of up to one year
- Share fishermen
- Volunteers and voluntary workers
These exemptions are defined in legislation and depend on the specific nature of the working arrangement.
Broader Context
Minimum wage increases are typically reviewed annually and are intended to reflect economic conditions, cost of living pressures, and labour market factors. While the headline figure of up to £975 more per year applies to full time workers aged 21 and over, the actual financial impact will vary.
Workers can check their pay against official government guidance to ensure they are receiving the correct rate from April.
The April 2026 uplift represents a statutory change that will affect pay packets across multiple sectors, particularly retail, hospitality, care, and other industries with a high proportion of minimum wage roles.
FAQs
When do the new wage rates start?
They take effect in April 2026.
What is the new National Living Wage?
£12.71 per hour for those aged 21+.
How much more per year could workers get?
Up to about £975 for full time workers.
Who qualifies for the apprentice rate?
Under 19s or first year apprentices aged 19+.
