Minimum Wage 2026: National Living Wage £12.71
UK National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates from 1 April 2026, what they mean per week, month and year, and a quick check of your pay.
2026/27 rates · verified 11 October 2026
Minimum wage rates from 1 April 2026
| Age | Hourly rate | April 2025 to March 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | £12.21 | 4.1% |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £10.00 | 8.5% |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £7.55 | 6% |
| Apprentice | £8.00 | £7.55 | 6% |
National Living Wage per week, month and year
| Hours a week | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly | Yearly after tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | £203.36 | £881.23 | £10,575 | £10,575 |
| 20 | £254.20 | £1,101.53 | £13,218 | £13,037 |
| 30 | £381.30 | £1,652.30 | £19,828 | £17,795 |
| 35 | £444.85 | £1,927.68 | £23,132 | £20,175 |
| 37.5 | £476.63 | £2,065.38 | £24,785 | £21,364 |
| 40 | £508.40 | £2,203.07 | £26,437 | £22,554 |
A full-time worker on 37.5 hours a week takes home about £21,364 a year (£1,780 a month) after Income Tax and National Insurance in England.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in 2026?
From 1 April 2026: £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over (the National Living Wage), £10.85 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8.00 for under 18s and apprentices.
How much is the National Living Wage a year?
£12.71 × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks = £24,785 a year before tax for a full-time worker, or £26,437 on a 40-hour week.
Who gets the apprentice rate?
Apprentices under 19, and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over get the minimum wage for their age.
When does the minimum wage change?
Every year on 1 April. The government announces the new rates the previous autumn.
What can I do if I'm paid less than the minimum wage?
Talk to your employer first. If that doesn't work, contact Acas or complain to HMRC, which enforces the minimum wage. Employers must pay back arrears.
Related calculators
All rates, thresholds and dates on this page come from official sources, including GOV.UK, HM Revenue and Customs, the Scottish Government, Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Government. Last verified 11 October 2026.