Minimum Wage 1st April 2026

Published on 18 February 2026 at 17:11

Information

📢 NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE UPDATE

Changes Effective From 1 April 2026

Employers — make sure your payroll is ready for the new statutory pay rates.


💷 New Hourly Rates

National Living Wage (Age 21+)
£12.71 per hour

Age 18 – 20
£10.85 per hour

Age 16 – 17
£8.00 per hour

Apprentice Rate
£8.00 per hour

(Applies to apprentices under 19 OR in first year of apprenticeship)


🏠 Accommodation Offset

£11.10 per day


⚠️ What Employers Need To Do

✔ Update payroll from first pay period after 1 April 2026
✔ Review salaries close to minimum thresholds
✔ Check apprentice eligibility rules
✔ Ensure compliance to avoid HMRC penalties