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Wage Rise — April 2026
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage increased to £12.21 per hour — a rise above inflation for workers aged 21 and over. If you're employed and haven't seen your pay increase yet, your employer may be breaking the law. Full Minimum Wage Rates From April 2026
Younger workers got the biggest rise: The government is gradually equalising minimum wage rates across age groups. Workers aged 18–20 saw a £1.40/hour increase — the largest percentage rise of any group.
What Does This Mean in Annual Salary Terms?
Am I Being Paid Correctly?✅ How to check
What Employers Must DoEmployers are legally required to pay the new rates from 1 April 2026. Failure to do so can result in HMRC ordering repayment of underpaid wages plus a penalty of 200% of the underpayment, capped at £20,000 per worker. Named employers are also publicly listed by HMRC. Bottom line: Check your payslip. If you're aged 21+ and earning below £12.21/hour, your employer must have increased your pay from April 2026. If they haven't, you have legal recourse through HMRC — and the process of reporting is straightforward.
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New Minimum Wage Is £12.21 From April 2026 — Are You Being Paid Correctly?The National Living Wage rose to £12.21 per hour from April 2026. Here's the full rate table and what to do if you're not being paid correctly. 
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