April Minimum Wage 2026: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

April Minimum Wage 2026: What You Need to Know by Age

The april minimum wage 2026 rates are now in effect, bringing important changes for workers of different ages. Whether you are starting a new job, negotiating a pay rise, or checking your payslip, understanding which rate applies to you is essential. The official rates, published by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by the Government, are set out in the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2026.

National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour. This is an increase of 50 pence (4.1%) from the previous rate of £12.21. The NLW now covers a wider age group than in previous years – the threshold was lowered to 21 in 2024. If you are 21 or older, you are legally entitled to at least this amount for every hour you work (unless you are a genuine apprentice in your first year).

National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds: £10.85 per hour

Workers aged 18, 19, or 20 (but not yet 21) must be paid at least £10.85 per hour. This is a significant increase of 8.5% (85 pence) from the previous £10.00. The Government has stated its aim to eventually eliminate the gap between this rate and the NLW, so further increases are likely in future years.

National Minimum Wage for under 18s: £8.00 per hour

Workers aged 16 and 17 (who are not apprentices) are entitled to £8.00 per hour, up from £7.55 (a 6% increase). This rate also applies to apprentices of any age in their first year.

Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

The apprentice rate also rises to £8.00 per hour, matching the under-18 rate. However, this rate only applies during the first year of an apprenticeship. After the first year, the apprentice must be paid the appropriate age-based rate (e.g., £10.85 if aged 18–20, or £12.71 if aged 21+).

Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

If your employer provides you with living accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day against your minimum wage. This means your cash wage can be lower by that amount, but only if accommodation is provided. The offset is a daily maximum; if your employer charges more than that for accommodation, the excess cannot be counted towards the minimum wage.

How to check your eligibility

Your eligibility depends on your age, whether you are an apprentice, and the type of work you do. The statutory rates are minimums – many employers pay more, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. You can use our pay guides to see typical advertised salaries for your role and region.

Remember: the rates apply to all workers, including part-time, casual, and agency workers. If you are unsure whether you are being paid correctly, check your contract and compare your hourly rate to the statutory minimum for your age band. The UK Minimum Wage page has a full breakdown of the current rates.

Impact on take-home pay

The headline rate increase does not always translate pound-for-pound into your bank account. The Low Pay Commission notes that interactions with tax and Universal Credit can affect your net income. For example, a single full-time worker (35 hours per week) on the NLW would see a weekly take-home increase of about £11.90 (3.3%) after tax and National Insurance. However, a couple with children receiving Universal Credit would see a larger percentage increase because their benefits also rise. Tax thresholds remain frozen, so some workers may pay slightly more tax as their earnings increase.

What about average earnings?

For context, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that average weekly earnings for all employees (total pay) are around £745 per week. The NLW of £12.71 for a 35-hour week gives gross pay of about £444.85, which is below the national average but a significant step up from previous years. The Low Pay Commission projects that two-thirds of median hourly earnings for those aged 21 and over will be around £13.18 by October 2027, suggesting further increases ahead.

Key takeaways

• Age 21+: £12.71 per hour (NLW)
• Age 18–20: £10.85 per hour
• Age 16–17: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentices (first year): £8.00 per hour
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

Always check your payslip and contract. If you think you are being underpaid, you can raise it with your employer or contact Acas. For more detailed information on how rates are set and what they mean for different industries, visit our topics page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the National Living Wage of £12.71 in April 2026?

The National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour applies to all workers aged 21 and over. This is a change from previous years when the threshold was 25, then 23. The age band was lowered to 21 from April 2024. Workers aged 18–20 receive a lower rate of £10.85, and those under 18 (or apprentices) receive £8.00 per hour.

Do apprentices get the apprentice rate for the whole apprenticeship?

No. The apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies only during the first year of an apprenticeship. After the first year, the apprentice must be paid the minimum wage rate that matches their age. For example, a 20-year-old in their second year would be entitled to the 18–20 rate (£10.85), and a 21-year-old in their second year would be entitled to the National Living Wage (£12.71).

How does the accommodation offset affect my minimum wage?

If your employer provides you with living accommodation, they can count up to £11.10 per day (from April 2026) towards your minimum wage. This means your cash wage can be lower by that amount, but only if accommodation is provided. The offset is a daily maximum; if your employer charges more than that for accommodation, the excess cannot be counted towards the minimum wage.