On April 1, 2026, the official minimum pay rates increased across the UK, impacting approximately 2.7 million workers. The updated structure categorizes pay based on age and employment status, distinguishing between the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. And how much is it worth, what is the National Living Wage.
For workers aged 21 and older, the National Living Wage has risen to £12.71 per hour. This reflects a 50p increase from the previous year’s rate. For an individual in full-time employment, defined as 37.5 hours per week, this equates to an annual salary of £24,784.50, marking a total yearly increase of £900. Workers over 21 on the National Living Wage are paid £12.71 an hour, 50p more than in 2025, from 1 April 2026.
The National Minimum Wage for employees aged 18 to 20 has also been raised, climbing to £10.85 per hour. This represents an 85p hourly rise, which provides a full-time worker in this bracket with an annual pay increase of £1,500. The government has stated its long-term objective is to remove this distinct category for 18 to 20-year-olds entirely, eventually establishing a single, unified rate for all adults.
Younger workers aged 16 and 17 have also seen their minimum hourly pay increase to £8.00.
Apprentices are subject to a nuanced set of pay regulations depending on their age and the duration of their training. Apprentices aged 16 to 18, along with those aged 19 who are in their first year of training, are entitled to the same £8.00 hourly minimum rate.
However, once an apprentice passes their 19th birthday or completes their first year of apprenticeship, they become eligible for the standard National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage corresponding to their age bracket.
