Overview
- From April 2026, the National Living Wage for ages 21 and over increases from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.
- Minimum hourly rates also rise to £10.50 for 18 to 20‑year‑olds, £8.00 for under‑18s, and £8.00 for apprentices.
- The statutory minimum applies to both full‑time and part‑time staff, with eligibility starting at school‑leaving age for the National Minimum Wage and at 21 for the National Living Wage.
- Apprentices under 19, or aged 19+ in their first apprenticeship year, receive the apprentice rate, while those over 19 who have completed their first year get the age‑appropriate rate.
- Several groups are not entitled to the minimum wage, including members of the armed forces, the self‑employed, company directors, participants in certain government or EU schemes, prisoners, people on short work trials, some student placements, and volunteers.