UK · National Minimum Wage Act 1998 · ERA 1996
UK Pay Rights 2026
UK workers have extensive legal protections over how much they are paid, what can be deducted, and what information employers must provide on payslips. These rights are enforced by HMRC, the Employment Tribunal, and the courts.
Calculators
Take-home pay calculator →
Enter your salary and see what actually lands in your bank account — every tax and NI deduction calculated for UK, US and Canada.
Holiday entitlement calculator →
Not sure how much holiday you're entitled to? Get your exact UK statutory leave entitlement — and how much you've accrued so far this year.
Statutory sick pay calculator →
Off sick and unsure what you'll be paid? Find out your UK Statutory Sick Pay — including the 3 unpaid waiting days.
National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) set the floor below which employers cannot legally pay. Rates are reviewed each April by the Low Pay Commission and set by statutory instrument under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. From 1 April 2026:
| Age group | Rate (2026/27) |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71/hour |
| 18–20 | £10.85/hour |
| 16–17 and apprentices (first year) | £8.00/hour |
Employers who pay below the NMW can face arrears notices, financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment (capped at £20,000 per worker), and public naming by HMRC.
Your right to an itemised payslip
Under ERA 1996 s.8, every employee and worker has the right to receive a written itemised payslip on or before each payday. It must show: gross pay, fixed and variable deductions (itemised separately if they vary), and net pay. From April 2019, hours must also be shown where pay varies by reference to time worked. If your employer fails to provide one, you can apply to the Employment Tribunal.
Unlawful deductions from wages
Under ERA 1996 Part II, employers can only deduct money from your wages where:
- There is a specific statutory authority (e.g. income tax, NI)
- Your contract expressly authorises the deduction
- You have given prior written consent
Deductions for cash shortfalls in retail cannot exceed 10% of gross pay on any single payday. Claims for unlawful deductions must be brought within 3 months (before ACAS early conciliation) and can recover up to 2 years of unlawful deductions.
Equal pay
Under the Equality Act 2010, men and women are entitled to equal pay for equal work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value. The right is enforced through an equality clause implied into every employment contract. Claims can be backdated up to 6 years in the civil courts or 6 years in the Employment Tribunal.
Common questions
How is Statutory Sick Pay calculated in the UK?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is £123.25 per week for 2026/27, paid from your first day of illness for up to 28 weeks. The old 3 waiting days and Lower Earnings Limit are both abolished from 6 April 2026.
What is the minimum wage in the UK in 2026?
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ is £12.71/hr from April 2026. Workers aged 18–20 get £10.85/hr, and 16–17-year-olds and apprentices get £8.00/hr.
What is auto-enrolment pension in the UK?
Auto-enrolment requires employers to automatically enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension. Minimum contributions are 8% of qualifying earnings total — at least 3% from the employer, the remainder from the employee.
Can my employer make deductions from my wages?
Your employer can only deduct from your wages if the deduction is authorised by your contract, agreed in writing beforehand, or required by law (such as income tax and NI). Unauthorised deductions can be recovered at the Employment Tribunal.
What is the National Living Wage in 2026?
The National Living Wage (for workers aged 21+) is £12.71/hour from 1 April 2026. Workers aged 18–20 receive £10.85/hr, and workers aged 16–17 and apprentices receive £8.00/hr.