New National Minimum Wage 2026: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

New National Minimum Wage 2026: What You Need to Know by Age Band

From 1 April 2026, the new national minimum wage 2026 rates came into effect across the UK. These rates, recommended by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by the Government, increase the statutory floor for wages for workers of all ages. Understanding which rate applies to you depends on your age, your apprenticeship status, and whether your employer provides accommodation.

This guide breaks down the rates by age band, explains eligibility rules, and offers practical advice for workers and job seekers. For a full overview of all current rates, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.

National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour

The National Living Wage (NLW) is the statutory minimum for workers aged 21 and over. From April 2026, the rate is £12.71 per hour, an increase of 50p (4.1%) from the previous £12.21. This rate applies to all employees aged 21 or older, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or on a zero-hours contract.

Who is not covered? Apprentices aged 21 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice rate instead (see below). Once the first year is completed, they move to the NLW rate.

National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds: £10.85 per hour

Workers aged 18 to 20 (but not yet 21) are entitled to the 18-20 rate of £10.85 per hour. This is an 85p increase (8.5%) from the previous £10.00. This rate applies to all employees in this age band, including apprentices who have completed their first year (if they are 19 or over).

National Minimum Wage for under 18s: £8.00 per hour

Workers under 18 (but above school leaving age) are entitled to £8.00 per hour, a 45p increase (6.0%). This rate also applies to apprentices under 19, regardless of their year of apprenticeship.

Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

The apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. It applies to apprentices who are either:

• under 19, or
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they become entitled to the age-appropriate minimum wage (either the 18-20 rate or the NLW if they are 21+).

Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

If your employer provides you with accommodation, they may deduct up to £11.10 per day from your wages for this benefit. This is not a wage rate but a maximum daily offset. Any charge above this amount must be refunded to you. The offset increased by 44p (4.1%) from the previous £10.66.

How the new rates compare to previous years

The 2026 increases continue a trend of above-inflation rises for younger workers. The 18-20 rate saw the largest percentage increase (8.5%), reflecting the Government’s aim to narrow the gap between age bands. The NLW for 21+ rose by 4.1%, broadly in line with earnings growth.

For reference, the rates from April 2025 to March 2026 were: NLW £12.21, 18-20 £10.00, under 18 £7.55, apprentice £7.55. The 2026 rates represent meaningful increases for all groups.

Practical tips for workers and job seekers

• Check your age band: Your entitlement is based on your age at the time you work, not your age when you started the job. If you turn 21 during employment, your rate must increase to the NLW from that date.
• Apprentices: Keep track of your apprenticeship start date and completion of the first year. Your employer must adjust your pay once you are eligible for the higher rate.
• Zero-hours and part-time workers: The minimum wage applies to every hour worked. You cannot be paid less than the statutory rate, even if your hours vary.
• Accommodation: If your employer provides housing, check your payslip to ensure deductions do not exceed the daily offset. Any excess is unlawful.
• Enforcement: If you believe you are being underpaid, contact Acas or use the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator. Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage can face penalties.

For more detailed guidance on pay calculations and rights, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Looking ahead

The Low Pay Commission has indicated that future NLW rates will continue to be guided by the target of two-thirds of median hourly earnings. This means further above-inflation increases may be needed in 2027 and beyond. The Government’s remit for the 2027 rates was published in March 2026, and the LPC will report its recommendations in autumn 2026.

Stay informed by checking official sources such as GOV.UK guidance and our topics page for updates on minimum wage policy.

Summary of key rates (April 2026)

Age group / status	Hourly rate
21 and over (National Living Wage)	£12.71
18–20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Apprentice (first year or under 19)	£8.00
Accommodation offset (per day)	£11.10

Note: These are statutory minimums. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors facing labour shortages. Always check your contract and current rates.

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