2026/27
Minimum wage (from April 2026)
- NLW (21+)£12.71 per hour
- 18–20£10.85 per hour
- 16–17£8 per hour
- Apprentice£8 per hour
Minimum wage (per hour)
- NLW (21+)£12.71 from 1 April 2026
- 18–20£10.85 from 1 April 2026
- 16–17£8 from 1 April 2026
- Apprentice£8 under 19, or 19+ in first year
National Minimum and Living Wage
Employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage, or the higher National Living Wage for eligible older workers, with different rates by age and for apprentices. The rates change each April. The tables above show the current figures.
Underpaying — even accidentally, through unpaid time or deductions — leads to penalties and naming by HMRC. Our payroll service keeps you compliant.
Frequently asked
Who gets the National Living Wage?+
Eligible workers at or above the qualifying age get the higher National Living Wage; younger workers and apprentices have their own rates. See the table above.
When do the rates change?+
The minimum and living wage rates are normally updated each April. Our payroll service applies the new rates automatically.