National Minimum Wage and Living Wage UK 2026/27 — Rates and Rights

UK Minimum Wage 2026/27 Quick Reference

Current National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates by age for 2026/27. What employers must pay and worker rights for different age groups.

· · Last reviewed: · 3 min read

Salary and income data is based on ONS and other official UK statistical sources. Figures are averages and may not reflect your individual circumstances.

A quick reference to UK minimum wage and National Living Wage rates from April 2026.

Current Rates (April 2026)

Hourly Rates

Age GroupHourly Rate
21 and over (NLW)£12.71
18 to 20£10.85
Under 18£8.00
Apprentice£8.00

Weekly/Monthly Equivalent (Full-Time 37.5hrs)

AgeHourlyWeeklyMonthly
21+£12.71£477£2,065
18-20£10.85£407£1,762
Under 18£8.00£300£1,300

Annual (Full-Time)

AgeHourlyAnnual (37.5hr/wk)
21+£12.71~£24,785
18-20£10.85~£21,158
Under 18£8.00~£15,600

Rate Changes

Recent History

From21+18-20Under 18
April 2026£12.71£10.85£8.00
April 2025£12.21£10.00£7.55
April 2024£11.44£8.60£6.40

Upcoming Changes

DateExpected
April 2027LPC best estimate ~£13.18 (range £13.02–£13.34) — not yet confirmed
Review byLow Pay Commission (recommendation expected autumn 2026)

Who Gets Which Rate

Age Bands

Your AgeRate
21st birthdayNational Living Wage
18th birthday18-20 rate
Under 18Under 18 rate

When Rate Changes

EventNew Rate From
Turn 18Next pay period
Turn 21Next pay period
Must beAutomatic

Apprentices

Apprentice Rate Applies If

ConditionApprentice Rate
Under 19Yes
19+ in year 1Yes
19+ after year 1Age-related rate

After First Year

SituationRate
Apprentice 19+, year 2Age-related rate
Becomes18-20 or 21+ rate

Types of Minimum Wage

Understanding the Terms

TermMeaning
National Living Wage (NLW)Legal minimum for 21+
National Minimum Wage (NMW)Legal minimum under 21
Real Living WageVoluntary higher rate
London Living WageVoluntary London rate

Voluntary Living Wages

TypeRate (as of Nov 2025 — confirm current)
Real Living Wage (UK)£13.45
London Living Wage£14.80
NoteVoluntary, not legal

Who Must Be Paid Minimum Wage

Entitled Workers

Worker TypeEntitled?
EmployeesYes
Agency workersYes
Casual/zero hoursYes
Part-timeYes
Home workersYes
Piece workersYes (on average)

Exempt

SituationMinimum Wage?
Self-employedNo
VolunteersNo
Work experience (1 week)No
Students on placementVaries
Company directorsNo (if no contract)

Checking Your Pay

How to Check

StepAction
1Total gross pay for period
2Divide by hours worked
3Compare to your rate

What Counts as Hours

CountsDoesn’t Count
WorkingLunch breaks (if unpaid)
TrainingTravel to/from work
On-call (at workplace)On-call at home
Waiting timeRest breaks

What Counts as Pay

CountsDoesn’t Count
Basic payTips
Incentive payPremium for overtime
BonusBenefits in kind

If You’re Underpaid

Steps to Take

StepAction
1Check calculations
2Speak to employer
3Contact ACAS
4Report to HMRC

Contact Details

OrganisationPurpose
ACASAdvice
HMRCEnforcement
Citizens AdviceFree guidance

Protection

RightDetails
Can’t be dismissedFor asking about minimum wage
Back payEmployer must pay arrears
FinesFor employers breaking law

Summary

Rate TypeApril 2026
National Living Wage (21+)£12.71
18-20 rate£10.85
Under 18 rate£8.00
Apprentice rate£8.00
Key Dates
Rates change1 April each year
AnnouncedAutumn Budget
If IssuesAction
UnderpaidCheck, then report
QuestionsContact ACAS
Employer non-compliantHMRC enforcement

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Sources

  1. GOV.UK — National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates