New Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

New Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

The UK Government has confirmed that from 1 April 2026 the statutory minimum wage rates will increase, based on the latest recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

Age                                                             Hourly Rate

21 and over (National Living Wage)     £12.71ph

18-20                                                         £10.85ph

16-17 and apprentices                           £8.00ph

These changes aim to support lower-paid employees with rising living costs, but they will also mean higher wage bills for many employers. Businesses should start planning now — updating payroll, reviewing staffing budgets, and ensuring all pay reference periods are handled correctly to stay compliant.

Overall, the 2026 uplift continues the trend of steady increases in statutory pay, reinforcing the need for organisations to prepare early and manage the impact on their operations.