From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage went up across every age band in the UK. If you’re paid by the hour, or you’re checking whether your employer is paying you correctly, here’s exactly what changed and what it means for your weekly and annual pay.
UK Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026
The government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in full. These are the legal hourly minimums that apply from 1 April 2026:
| Age group / category | Rate from 1 April 2026 | Previous rate |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | £12.21 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £10.00 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice rate | £8.00 | £7.55 |
The daily accommodation offset, which applies where an employer provides housing, also rises to £11.10 per day from £10.66.
National Minimum Wage vs National Living Wage: What’s the Difference?
These two terms cause a lot of confusion, so here’s the short version. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal hourly floor for workers under 21. The National Living Wage (NLW) is simply the top tier of that same framework, and it applies to everyone aged 21 and over. Both are set annually by the government based on Low Pay Commission recommendations, and both are legally enforceable, employers cannot pay below them, even if you’ve signed a contract agreeing to less.
It’s worth noting the government minimum is different from the voluntary “real Living Wage” set independently by the Living Wage Foundation, which is higher and paid by employers who choose to opt in.
What the New Rates Mean for Your Weekly and Annual Pay
Here’s how the 2026 rates translate into real earnings, before tax and National Insurance:
- Age 21+, 37.5 hour week: £12.71 x 37.5 = £476.63 per week, around £24,785 per year
- Age 21+, 40 hour week: £12.71 x 40 = £508.40 per week, around £26,437 per year
- Age 18–20, 40 hour week: £10.85 x 40 = £434.00 per week, around £22,568 per year
These are gross figures. Once you go above the personal allowance, income tax and National Insurance will reduce what actually lands in your bank account, so your real take-home pay will be lower.
Working Out Your Own Numbers
Annual salary and hourly rate calculations get complicated fast once you factor in different weekly hours, overtime, or converting a salary offer into an hourly figure to compare against your current job. Rather than doing the maths by hand, you can plug your own hours and rate into our free hourly wage calculator to instantly see your daily, weekly, monthly and annual pay, and how it compares to the current minimum wage for your age group.
What to Do If You Think You’re Underpaid
If your payslip doesn’t add up, here’s the sensible order of steps:
- Check the rate that applies to your exact age and employment type (standard worker vs apprentice).
- Confirm your employer has updated your pay from your first pay period covering work done on or after 1 April 2026.
- Raise it directly with your employer in writing, deductions and unpaid time worked are common causes of accidental underpayment.
- If it isn’t resolved, you can report it to HMRC, who can investigate and require your employer to repay arrears, plus penalties.
Paying below the legal minimum is against the law under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, and no contract clause can override that, regardless of what you’ve signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new minimum wage rates start?
The new rates apply from 1 April 2026. Your pay should reflect the increase from the first full pay period covering work done on or after that date.
Does the minimum wage apply to part-time and temporary workers?
Yes. Almost all workers are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for their age, regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time, or on a temporary or agency basis.
How do I convert my hourly rate into an annual salary?
Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply that by the number of weeks you work per year (typically 52, minus any unpaid leave). Our hourly wage calculator does this automatically and also breaks it down by day, week and month.
Is the National Living Wage the same as the real Living Wage?
No. The National Living Wage is the government’s legal minimum. The real Living Wage is a separate, voluntary rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs, and it’s paid by employers who choose to sign up, not required by law.
Rates and figures in this article reflect confirmed UK government announcements for the April 2026 tax year. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK for your specific circumstances.
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