The National Living Wage increased to £12.21/hour for workers aged 21 and over from 1 April 2026 — a 6.7% increase from £11.44/hour. This is the legal minimum wage for most UK workers. UK Minimum Wage Rates April 2026
National Living Wage History UKWhat Is the Real Living Wage?The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate set independently by the Living Wage Foundation, based on the actual cost of living. It is higher than the government's National Living Wage. What is the minimum wage in the UK in 2026? The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21/hour from April 2026. Workers aged 18–20 are entitled to £10.00/hour. Under-18s and apprentices (under 19 or in their first year) receive £7.55/hour. When did the minimum wage increase in 2026? The National Living Wage increased from £11.44 to £12.21/hour on 1 April 2026 — a 6.7% increase. The 18–20 rate rose 16.3% to £10.00/hour. Both were announced in the October 2025 Budget. What happens if my employer pays below minimum wage? Paying below the National Living Wage is illegal. You can report underpayment to HMRC via GOV.UK/minimum-wage-underpayment. HMRC can force employers to repay arrears and impose fines of up to 200% of underpayment (max £20,000 per worker). Is the Real Living Wage the same as the National Living Wage? No — the National Living Wage is the legal minimum set by the government (£12.21/hour for 21+). The Real Living Wage is a higher voluntary rate (£12.60/hour UK, £13.85/hour London) set by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual cost of living. Over 14,000 UK employers voluntarily pay the Real Living Wage. Sources: Low Pay Commission — National Living Wage April 2026 · GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates · Living Wage Foundation — Real Living Wage 2025-26 · HMRC minimum wage enforcement |
Minimum Wage UK 2026: National Living Wage Rates from April 2026UK minimum wage April 2026 — National Living Wage £12.21/hour. All rates by age group. 
|
|
