Estimates for National Minimum Wage in 2026
The UK Government has now published the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) remit for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates that will apply from April 2026. The remit remains broadly consistent with last year’s, reaffirming the Government commitment to ensuring the NLW does not fall below two-thirds of UK median earnings for workers aged 21 and over, and reinstating its commitment to review the 18 to 20-year-old rate with a view to remove it – subject to LPC’s consultation and recommendations.
As in previous years, the remit requires the LPC’s consider a wide range of economic factors, including inflation forecasts, cost of living, labour market impacts, business competitiveness, and broader macroeconomic conditions.
Updated NLW Estimates
Following up on the publication of the remit earlier this morning, the LPC has updated its central estimate for April 2026, which is now £12.71, an increase of 4.1%, with a projected range of £12.55 to £12.86.
These figures are higher than those published alongside the May consultation, which had a central estimate of £12.65 and a range of £12.50 to £12.80. LPC attributes this revision to stronger-than-expected wage growth so far this year and improved forecasts for 2025.
This is not confirmed and only an estimate at present but may assist in budget and pay increase planning for the near future.
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