What's the Minimum Wage in the UK? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage in 2026

If you're wondering what's the minimum wage in the uk, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The UK government sets statutory minimum hourly rates that change every April. For 2026, the rates were announced following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission and came into force on 1 April 2026.

This guide explains the different age bands, who qualifies for each rate, and what you should expect as a worker or job seeker. For a full overview of all pay data, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.

National Living Wage for Workers Aged 21 and Over

The National Living Wage (NLW) is the highest statutory minimum rate. From April 2026, it is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. This is a 4.1% increase from the previous rate of £12.21. The Government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation in full, as confirmed in official GOV.UK guidance.

This rate applies to most employees aged 21 or over, including those on zero-hours contracts, part-time workers, and agency workers. However, there is an important exception: apprentices aged 21 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship are only entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour.

National Minimum Wage for Younger Workers

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to the 18–20 Year Old Rate of £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This is an 8.5% increase, bringing the rate closer to the NLW. The Government has stated its aim to eventually eliminate the gap between the NLW and the 18–20 rate.

Workers under 18 (but above school leaving age) receive the 16–17 Year Old Rate of £8.00 per hour, a 6% increase. School leaving age is the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they turn 16.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices have their own minimum wage rate. From April 2026, the apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour. This 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, they must be paid the appropriate rate for their age: the NLW if 21 or over, or the 18–20 rate if aged 18–20.

How the Rates Are Set

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is an independent body that recommends minimum wage rates to the Government. The LPC considers economic conditions, labour market data, and the cost of living. For 2026, the Government accepted all LPC recommendations. The rates are legally binding and enforced by HMRC.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

While the headline hourly rates are clear, your actual take-home pay will depend on several factors:

• Tax and National Insurance: If you earn above the personal allowance and NI thresholds, deductions will apply. Tax thresholds have been frozen, meaning average tax rates may increase slightly for NLW earners.
• Universal Credit: Workers receiving Universal Credit may see a larger increase in take-home income because the standard allowance increased by 6.2% in 2026, above the NLW rise. GOV.UK analysis shows that a single NLW worker working 35 hours per week would see a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home pay (about £11.90).
• Accommodation Offset: If your employer provides living accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day from your wages. This is a maximum daily amount, not an hourly rate.

What This Means for Job Seekers

When looking for work, always check the advertised salary against the statutory minimum for your age. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors like hospitality, retail, and care. Use our pay guides to compare typical salaries in different industries.

Remember that the minimum wage is a floor, not a target. If you have experience or qualifications, you may be able to negotiate higher pay. Also, be aware that some jobs include tips, bonuses, or benefits that are not counted towards the minimum wage calculation.

How to Check You Are Being Paid Correctly

If you suspect you are being underpaid, you can:

• Use the official minimum wage calculator on GOV.UK.
• Check your payslip for your hourly rate and total hours.
• Contact Acas for free, confidential advice.
• Report your employer to HMRC, who can investigate and recover unpaid wages.

For more detailed salary data and analysis, explore our pay data section.

Summary of 2026 Minimum Wage Rates

Age/Status	Hourly Rate from April 2026
21 and over (NLW)	£12.71
18–20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Apprentice (under 19 or first year)	£8.00
Accommodation offset (per day)	£11.10

These rates are set by law and apply across the UK. Always check the latest rates on GOV.UK, as they change each April.