What is the UK minimum wage in 2026?

From April 2025, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £12.21 per hour. The National Minimum Wage is £10.00/hr (18-20), £7.55/hr (under 18), and £7.55/hr (apprentice rate).

What is the difference between NMW and NLW?

The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over and is the highest mandatory rate. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum for younger workers aged 18-20, under 18, and apprentices.

Does minimum wage apply to self-employed workers?

No. The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage only apply to workers and employees, not to genuinely self-employed people. However, if someone is classified as a worker (even if called self-employed by the employer), they are entitled to minimum wage.

Minimum Wage Calculator UK 2026 — NMW & NLW Rates

Q: When do minimum wage rates change?

UK minimum wage rates change every April. The new rates for 2025/26 came into effect on 1 April 2025. The rates are recommended by the Low Pay Commission and confirmed by the government.

UK Minimum Wage Rates — April 2025 to March 2026

The UK has a legally enforceable minimum wage that applies to most workers. The rates are set annually by the government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC). The most recent rates came into effect on 1 April 2025 and remain in force until 31 March 2026.

Age Group	Hourly Rate	Weekly (37.5 hrs)	Annual
21 and over (NLW)	£12.21	£457.88	£23,809
18 to 20	£10.00	£375.00	£19,500
Under 18	£7.55	£283.13	£14,723
Apprentice	£7.55	£283.13	£14,723

National Minimum Wage vs National Living Wage

The terms "National Minimum Wage" (NMW) and "National Living Wage" (NLW) are both set by the government, but they apply to different age groups:

National Living Wage (NLW) — The highest mandatory rate, currently £12.21/hr for workers aged 21 and over. It was introduced in April 2016 and has increased significantly each year. From April 2024, it was extended to include 21-year-olds (previously 23+).
National Minimum Wage (NMW) — The legal minimum for workers aged 18–20, workers under 18 (who are past compulsory school age), and apprentices.

Do not confuse the National Living Wage (set by government) with the "Real Living Wage" or "London Living Wage" (set by the Living Wage Foundation). The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate that some employers choose to pay — currently £12.60/hr nationally and £13.85/hr in London. It is not legally required.

When Do Minimum Wage Rates Change?

UK minimum wage rates change every year on 1 April. The Low Pay Commission reviews economic data, consults with businesses and workers, and makes recommendations to the government, which usually accepts them. Here is how rates have progressed in recent years for the 21+ band:

April 2023: £10.42/hr
April 2024: £11.44/hr
April 2025: £12.21/hr (current)

The government's long-term goal is for the NLW to reach two-thirds of median hourly earnings, adjusted for economic conditions.

Who Is Entitled to Minimum Wage?

Almost all workers in the UK are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes:

Full-time and part-time employees
Agency workers
Workers on zero-hours contracts
Casual workers and piece-rate workers
Home workers
Seafarers working on UK-registered ships

Who Is NOT Entitled?

Genuinely self-employed people
Company directors (unless they have a worker's contract)
Volunteers and voluntary workers
Members of the armed forces
Family members working in a family business (in certain circumstances)
Students on work experience placements of less than one year as part of a UK course

Apprentice Minimum Wage

The apprentice rate of £7.55/hr applies to apprentices who are either:

Under 19 years old, OR
19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Once an apprentice is 19 or over AND has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for their age group.

Employer Obligations

Employers have clear legal responsibilities regarding minimum wage:

Pay at least the correct rate for the worker's age group. Getting this wrong is illegal, even if unintentional.
Keep records of hours worked and pay. HMRC can request these records going back six years.
Do not make deductions that take pay below minimum wage. Deductions for uniforms, tools, or employer-provided accommodation (above the offset rate) can push effective pay below the legal minimum.
Increase pay automatically when a worker's birthday moves them into a higher age band.

Enforcement: HMRC's National Minimum Wage team investigates complaints and conducts targeted enforcement. Employers found to be underpaying face fines of up to 200% of the arrears owed (up to £20,000 per worker) and are publicly named on the government's "name and shame" list.

What If I Am Being Paid Below Minimum Wage?

If you believe your employer is paying you less than the legal minimum, you can:

Raise it directly with your employer or HR department
Contact ACAS for free, confidential advice: 0300 123 1100
Make a complaint to HMRC online or by phone: 0300 123 1100
Seek advice from Citizens Advice

You are legally protected from being dismissed or treated unfairly for raising a minimum wage complaint.

Minimum Wage Calculator UK 2026