National Living Wage and Minimum Wage rates for 2026. Hourly rates by age, monthly and annual earnings, and what to do if you're being underpaid.
·3 min read
Here are the current minimum wage rates and what they mean for your earnings.
Current Rates (2025-26)
Hourly Rates
Age Group
Hourly Rate
21 and over (National Living Wage)
£11.44
18-20
£8.60
Under 18
£6.40
Apprentice
£6.40
When Apprentice Rate Applies
Situation
Rate
Under 19, any apprenticeship
£6.40
19+, first year of apprenticeship
£6.40
19+, after first year
Age-related rate
What This Means Annually
Full-Time Earnings (37.5 Hours/Week)
Age
Hourly
Weekly
Monthly
Annual
21+
£11.44
£429
£1,858
£22,308
18-20
£8.60
£323
£1,398
£16,770
Under 18
£6.40
£240
£1,040
£12,480
After Tax (21+, Full-Time)
Gross
Tax
NI
Net
Monthly
£22,308
~£1,947
~£1,192
~£19,169
~£1,597
Approximate — depends on tax code and deductions
Different Working Hours
21+ Rate (£11.44/Hour)
Hours/Week
Weekly
Monthly
Annual
16
£183
£793
£9,516
20
£229
£992
£11,896
25
£286
£1,239
£14,872
30
£343
£1,487
£17,846
35
£400
£1,735
£20,820
40
£458
£1,983
£23,795
National Living Wage vs Real Living Wage
Understanding the Difference
Type
Rate
Legal?
National Living Wage
£11.44 (21+)
Yes, legal minimum
National Minimum Wage
Age-related
Yes, legal minimum
Real Living Wage (UK)
~£12.00
Voluntary
Real Living Wage (London)
~£13.15
Voluntary
Real Living Wage
Feature
Details
Set by
Living Wage Foundation
Based on
Actual cost of living
Accredited employers
Choose to pay this
Not law
But growing number pay it
Check
If employer is accredited
What Counts Toward Minimum Wage
Included
Payment
Counts
Basic salary/wages
Yes
Piece rates
Yes
Performance bonus
Some
Tips (direct to you)
No (separate)
Not Included
Payment
Counts
Overtime premium
No
Tips
No
Expenses
No
Benefits in kind
Most no
Deductions That Can Reduce Pay
Deduction
Effect
Accommodation
Can reduce (limited)
Uniform from wages
Can reduce if below NMW after
Till shortages
Can reduce if below NMW after
Check
Your pay after deductions must meet NMW
Common Issues
Who’s Entitled
Entitled
Not Entitled
Most workers
Genuinely self-employed
Agency workers
Company directors
Part-time workers
Volunteers
Zero-hours contracts
Armed forces
Piece workers
Family members (family business)
Are You Being Underpaid?
Warning Sign
Check
Payslip confusing
Calculate hourly rate
Unpaid “training”
Should usually be paid
Working off the clock
Should be paid
Deductions reduce below NMW
May be illegal
Tips counted toward wage
Shouldn’t reduce base
Calculate Your Hourly Rate
Step
Action
1
Find total pay on payslip
2
Find total hours worked
3
Divide pay by hours
4
Compare to legal minimum
If You’re Being Underpaid
Steps to Take
Step
Action
1
Check calculations (could be error)
2
Talk to employer first
3
Contact ACAS for advice
4
Report to HMRC if unresolved
Where to Get Help
Organisation
Contact
ACAS
0300 123 1100
HMRC
gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint
Citizens Advice
citizensadvice.org.uk
Your Rights
Employer Must
Details
Pay at least minimum wage
Legal requirement
Not dismiss for raising issue
Protected right
Pay back arrears
If underpaid
Keep records
Of pay and hours
HMRC Enforcement
What Happens
Details
Investigation
HMRC investigates
Back pay
Employee receives arrears
Penalty
Employer fined (up to 200% of underpayment)
Naming
Employers can be publicly named
Summary: Minimum Wage Quick Reference
Current Rates (April 2025)
Age
Rate
21+
£11.44/hour
18-20
£8.60/hour
Under 18
£6.40/hour
Apprentice
£6.40/hour
Full-Time Monthly Take-Home
Age
Gross Monthly
Net Monthly (Approx)
21+
£1,858
£1,560
18-20
£1,398
£1,250
Key Actions
Situation
Action
Checking pay
Divide total pay by hours
Seem underpaid
Speak to employer first
Employer unhelpful
Contact ACAS
Need to report
HMRC online or phone
When Rates Change
When
Details
Each April
Rates usually increase
Announced
Autumn Budget typically
Check
gov.uk for confirmed rates
Everyone deserves at least the legal minimum wage. If you’re not getting it, you have rights — and organisations like ACAS and HMRC will help you enforce them at no cost.