National Minimum Wage and Living Wage UK 2026/27 — Rates and RightsMinimum Wage UK 2026 — Current Rates
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.
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.
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