National Minimum Wage Set to Rise in April 2026 – What Employers Need to Know

From 1 April 2026, the UK Government will implement new minimum wage rates following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. These changes aim to support workers during ongoing cost-of-living pressures, but they also mean employers need to prepare for higher payroll costs.

New Rates Announced

• National Living Wage (Age 21+):
  Increasing by 4.1% from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.
  For a full-time employee (37.5 hours per week), this equates to an annual gross pay rise of around £900.
• National Minimum Wage (Age 18–20):
  Rising by 8.5% from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour, narrowing the gap with the adult rate.
• 16–17-Year-Olds & Apprentices:
  Up 6% to £8.00 per hour.

These increases will benefit approximately 2.7 million workers across the UK.