New National Minimum Wage Rates
The government has announced increases to the national minimum wage rates, to take effect on 1 April 2026.
- 21 and over – from £12.21 to £12.71ph
- 18-20 – from £10 to £10.85ph
- 16-17 and apprentices – from £7.55 to £8ph
The national living wage (NLW) is to increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour from April 2026 whereas the 18-20 rate will increase by 8.5% rise
The headline NLW rise, which matches the estimate published in August, is the second smallest increase since it was introduced in 2016. Only 2021 saw a slower uplift (2.2%), amid the Covid pandemic.
These increases are in line with those proposed in August 2025 Estimates for National Minimum Wage in 2026 – CBR Business Solutions
