What is the minimum wage in the UK in 2026?

The UK National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates from 1 April 2026 are: National Living Wage (aged 21+): £12.71/hr; Age 18–20: £10.85/hr; Age 16–17 and apprentices: £8.00/hr. The National Living Wage replaced the adult minimum wage for workers aged 23+ in 2016, and was extended to those aged 21+ from April 2024. These rates apply across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — there is no regional variation in the statutory minimum.

Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage for every hour worked, including overtime. Minimum wage applies to most workers — employees, agency workers, and casual workers — but not to the genuinely self-employed. Common unlawful deductions that bring effective pay below minimum wage include: charging for uniforms, making deductions for tools, or making you work unpaid for activities like travel between sites, changing into workwear, or mandatory training.

If you believe you are being paid below minimum wage, you can report it to HMRC (who enforce the NMW) via the helpline (0800 917 2368) or online at gov.uk. HMRC can investigate, require your employer to pay arrears going back 6 years, and impose financial penalties. You can also bring a civil claim in the Employment Tribunal. There is no minimum service period — minimum wage applies from day one.