What Is the Current Minimum Wage in the UK? How to Read the Headline Rate

Understanding the Current Minimum Wage

If you’ve asked yourself “what is current minimum wage in the UK?”, the answer isn’t a single number. The headline rate – the National Living Wage – is £12.71 per hour from April 2026, but that only applies to workers aged 21 and over. Younger workers, apprentices, and those in certain roles have different statutory minimums. This guide explains how to read the headline rate and what it means for your pay packet.

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates

The government sets statutory minimum wages that change every April. For 2026–27, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18–20 rate: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18 rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (if your employer provides housing)

These figures come from official GOV.UK guidance and are confirmed by the Low Pay Commission. The increases are designed to keep pace with inflation and support low-paid workers.

Who Gets Which Rate?

Age is the main factor, but apprenticeship status matters too.

• Aged 21 or over: You are entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71, unless you are an apprentice in your first year (then you get £8.00).
• Aged 18–20: The minimum is £10.85 per hour. This rate is 85% of the NLW, and the government aims to eventually close the gap.
• Under 18: The minimum is £8.00 per hour. This also applies to apprentices under 19.
• Apprentices: If you are under 19, or 19 or over and in your first year, you get £8.00. After the first year and once you turn 19, you move to the age-appropriate rate.

Always check your contract. Some employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, or healthcare.

How to Read the Headline Rate

The £12.71 figure is often quoted in the news, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Here’s what to consider:

1. Age bands matter. If you are 20, your minimum is £10.85 – that’s £1.86 less per hour than the headline. Over a 35-hour week, that’s a difference of over £65.

2. Take-home pay is not the headline rate. Tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions reduce your gross pay. The Low Pay Commission estimates that a single full-time NLW worker (35 hours) will take home about £11.90 more per week after the April 2026 increase. If you receive Universal Credit, the 6.2% rise in the standard allowance may give you a bigger boost.

3. The accommodation offset. If your employer provides housing, they can deduct up to £11.10 per day from your wages. This is not extra pay – it’s a limit on how much they can charge you for accommodation.

4. Average earnings are higher. The ONS reports average weekly earnings of around £745 for all employees, but that includes higher-paid roles. Minimum wage workers earn less than that average.

For more detail on how pay bands work, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

What About Average Earnings?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes average weekly earnings, which for total pay (including bonuses) is about £745 per week. This is not a minimum – it’s an average across all jobs. Many minimum wage workers earn significantly less, especially if they work part-time. The headline NLW of £12.71 for 35 hours gives a gross weekly pay of £444.85, well below the national average.

Practical Advice for Workers

• Check your age band. If you are 20, you are not entitled to the NLW yet – but you will be when you turn 21.
• Verify your apprenticeship status. If you are an apprentice, make sure you are being paid the correct rate for your age and year.
• Use the government calculator. The official minimum wage calculator on GOV.UK can tell you if you are being underpaid.
• Know your rights. If you think you are not getting the minimum wage, contact Acas for advice.

For a full breakdown of pay scales and regional differences, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current minimum wage for someone aged 21 or over?

From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. This is the statutory minimum you must be paid unless you are an apprentice in the first year of your apprenticeship, in which case the apprentice rate of £8.00 applies.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers?

No. Apprentices under 19, or aged 19 or over in their first year, are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. Once an apprentice is 19 or over and has completed the first year, they must be paid the age-appropriate rate (e.g., £12.71 if 21 or over).

How does the minimum wage affect my take-home pay after tax?

Your take-home pay depends on your tax code, National Insurance contributions, and any benefits you receive. The Low Pay Commission estimates that a single full-time NLW worker (35 hours) will see a weekly take-home increase of about £11.90. If you receive Universal Credit, the 6.2% rise in the standard allowance may boost your income further.

Final Thoughts

The question “what is current minimum wage” has a layered answer. The headline £12.71 is a useful benchmark, but your actual minimum depends on your age, apprenticeship status, and whether your employer provides accommodation. Always check the official rates and your own contract. For more resources, explore our topics page or read about pay data trends.