UK Minimum Wage Changes November 2025: New Rates and Age Band Eligibility

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage Changes Announced in November 2025

If you’re a worker or job seeker in the UK, keeping up with minimum wage changes is essential. The UK minimum wage changes announced in November 2025 set out new hourly rates that will come into force from April 2026. These changes affect millions of low-paid workers and are designed to support living standards while balancing affordability for businesses.

This article breaks down the new rates, explains who qualifies for each age band, and compares them with broader earnings data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). For a full overview of all current and upcoming rates, visit our UK Minimum Wage.

New Statutory Rates from April 2026

The government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations in full. From April 2026:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up 4.1%)
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour (up 8.5%)
• National Minimum Wage (16–17): £8.00 per hour (up 6%)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (up 6%)
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (up 4.1%)

These rates are statutory minimums. Many employers advertise salaries above these levels, especially in sectors with labour shortages. For guidance on how to interpret advertised salaries versus hourly rates, see our pay guides.

Age Bands and Eligibility

Age bands determine which minimum wage rate applies to you. The key distinction is between the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for younger workers).

• Aged 21 and over: You are entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour from April 2026.
• Aged 18–20: You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage of £10.85 per hour.
• Aged 16–17: You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage of £8.00 per hour.
• Apprentices: If you are an apprentice under 19, or in the first year of your apprenticeship regardless of age, you are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour.

It’s important to check your age on the date the pay reference period begins. Employers must pay the correct rate for your age band. If you think you are being underpaid, you can raise a complaint with HMRC.

How These Rates Compare with Average Earnings

The ONS reported that median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60 in April 2025, a 5.3% increase on the previous year. Median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67. Meanwhile, average weekly earnings (total pay) across all employees stood at £733 in September 2025, according to the ONS Average Weekly Earnings release.

These figures show that statutory minimums are significantly below median earnings, which is typical for low-paid roles in sectors like retail, hospitality, and care. The 2026 increase to £12.71 per hour for the National Living Wage will bring a full-time worker (37.5 hours per week) an annual gross salary of around £24,800, before deductions.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

It’s crucial to distinguish between the hourly statutory rate and what you actually take home. Your net pay depends on:

• Income tax and National Insurance contributions
• Pension contributions (if auto-enrolled or opted in)
• Student loan repayments
• Other deductions (e.g., union subscriptions, childcare vouchers)

For example, a worker earning the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour for 37.5 hours a week would have a gross annual salary of approximately £24,800. After standard tax and NI deductions (assuming 2025/26 tax codes), the take-home pay would be roughly £1,800 per month. Always check your payslip and use HMRC’s tax calculator for a precise estimate.

What the Changes Mean for Different Age Groups

The government has emphasised its goal of phasing out the 18–20 age band and moving to a single adult rate. The 8.5% increase for 18–20 year olds is a significant step, adding around £1,500 a year for a full-time worker. For 16–17 year olds, the 6% increase to £8.00 per hour provides a boost but still leaves a gap compared with older workers.

If you are under 21, it’s worth checking whether your employer pays above the minimum. Some large employers, such as supermarkets and fast-food chains, have committed to paying the real Living Wage (currently higher than the statutory rate in some areas).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new minimum wage rates from April 2026?

From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will be £12.71 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds will be £10.85 per hour, and for 16–17 year olds and apprentices it will be £8.00 per hour. These rates were announced by the government in late 2025 following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

Who qualifies for the National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage applies to all workers aged 21 and over. Previously it applied to those aged 23 and over, but the age threshold was lowered to 21 from April 2024. The government has stated its aim to eventually phase out the 18–20 age band and establish a single adult rate.

How do the 2026 changes affect 18–20 year olds?

The minimum wage for 18–20 year olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour, narrowing the gap with the National Living Wage. This means a full-time worker in this age band will earn around £1,500 more per year. The government sees this as progress towards a single adult rate.

Staying Informed

Minimum wage rates are updated annually, usually announced in the autumn and taking effect the following April. For the latest information, bookmark our topics page. You can also read more about how pay data is collected on our about page.

Remember: the figures in this article are based on official announcements from GOV.UK guidance and ONS data. Always verify your specific entitlement with your employer or a qualified advisor.