What Is Minimum Wage? A Guide to Age Bands and Eligibility in 2026

Understanding the Minimum Wage: Age Bands and Eligibility

If you’re wondering what is minimum wage in the UK for 2026, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The government sets two main statutory rates: the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for younger workers and apprentices. These rates are updated every April, and the 2026 rates came into effect on 1 April.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

From April 2026, the NLW is £12.71 per hour. This applies to all workers aged 21 and above, unless you are an apprentice in your first year (see below). The rate increased by 4.1% from the previous £12.21, and the government expects it to stay ahead of the cost of living for the year ahead, according to GOV.UK guidance.

National Minimum Wage (18–20)

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to £10.85 per hour. This is a significant 8.5% increase from the previous £10.00, reflecting the government’s aim to narrow the gap with the NLW. Once you turn 21, your employer must pay you the higher NLW rate.

National Minimum Wage (Under 18)

For workers under 18 (but above the school leaving age), the rate is £8.00 per hour, up 6% from £7.55. This applies to all under-18s who are not apprentices.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices have a special rate of £8.00 per hour. This applies if you are:

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

After completing the first year (and if you are 19 or older), you become entitled to the age-based minimum wage. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice who has finished their first year must be paid at least £12.71 per hour. The apprentice rate increased by 6% in 2026, as confirmed in The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

How to Check If You Are Being Paid Correctly

Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage for each hour you work. However, some payments and deductions can affect the calculation. For instance, if your employer provides accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day (or £77.70 per week) from your pay. Other deductions that count against the minimum wage include:

• payments for uniform rental or tools required for the job
• wage advances or loans
• repayment of overpaid wages

If these deductions bring your effective hourly rate below the statutory minimum, your employer is breaking the law and must pay the arrears. HMRC can investigate and enforce compliance. For more details, see the pay guides on our site.

Take-Home Pay vs Statutory Rates

It’s important to remember that the minimum wage is the gross hourly rate before tax and National Insurance. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after deductions. Additionally, if you receive Universal Credit, the government’s above-inflation increase to the standard allowance (6.2% in 2026) may boost your net income more than the NLW rise alone. Conversely, if you pay tax but don’t receive UC, frozen tax thresholds mean your take-home pay increase may be slightly less than the headline 4.1%.

Key Points to Remember

• The minimum wage rates change every year on 1 April.
• Your age on the first day of a pay reference period determines which rate applies.
• Apprentices have a separate rate, but only during their first year or if under 19.
• Employers must keep records for at least six years to prove they are paying correctly.
• If you suspect underpayment, you can report it to HMRC.

For a full overview of all current rates and how they apply to different situations, visit our UK Minimum Wage page. You can also explore pay data for typical salaries in various sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for someone aged 20?

Workers aged 20 fall into the 18–20 age band for the National Minimum Wage. From April 2026, the rate is £10.85 per hour. Once you turn 21, you become eligible for the higher National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers?

Apprentices have a separate rate of £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This applies if you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship. After completing the first year (and if aged 19+), you are entitled to the age-based minimum wage (e.g., £12.71 if 21+).

Can my employer deduct money from my pay and still meet the minimum wage?

Some deductions are allowed, but they must not bring your effective hourly pay below the statutory minimum. For example, if your employer charges you for uniform rental or tools needed for the job, that amount is deducted from your pay when calculating minimum wage compliance. If the deduction takes you below the rate, your employer must pay the arrears.