What Is the Minimum Wage in the UK? A Practical Guide to Statutory Rates and Take-Home Pay

Understanding the Minimum Wage in 2026

If you’re asking what is the minimum wage in the UK for 2026, the answer depends on your age and employment status. The Government sets statutory hourly rates that employers must pay, with different bands for different groups. These rates are updated annually, usually in April, based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

Statutory Rates from April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the following rates apply:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up 50p from £12.21)
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour (up 85p)
• 16-17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour (up 45p)
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour (up 45p)
• Accommodation Offset: £11.10 per day if the employer provides living accommodation

These figures come from official GOV.UK guidance and the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The National Living Wage now applies to everyone aged 21 and over, not just 25+ as in previous years.

Advertised Salaries vs Hourly Rates

When you see a job advert with an annual salary, it can be tricky to know if it meets the minimum wage. Employers often advertise a yearly figure based on a standard working week (e.g., 37.5 or 40 hours). To check, divide the annual salary by 52 weeks, then by the weekly hours. For example, a full-time role at £12.71 per hour for 37.5 hours a week gives roughly £24,785 per year. But remember, this is gross pay – your take-home pay will be lower.

Many roles in retail, hospitality, and care work pay at or near the minimum wage. However, some sectors offer higher starting rates, such as the NHS Agenda for Change bands or the Living Wage Foundation’s voluntary rates. Always check the contract and ask about overtime pay, which may be at a higher rate.

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Receive

Your take-home pay is the amount after deductions: income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions (if auto-enrolled), and possibly student loan repayments. For a worker on the National Living Wage, the actual weekly or monthly amount will be less than the gross hourly rate multiplied by hours.

For example, a single person working 35 hours per week at £12.71/hr earns about £445 gross per week. After tax and NI, take-home might be around £370-£380, depending on tax code and pension. If you’re on Universal Credit, the increase in the minimum wage may be partly offset by changes to benefits – but the Government has also increased the UC standard allowance by 6.2% in 2026, which can boost overall income.

According to ONS Average Weekly Earnings, the median weekly pay for all employees is £745, but this includes higher-paid roles. Minimum wage workers typically earn less, so it’s important to budget based on your net income, not the advertised rate.

Age Bands and Apprentice Rules

The minimum wage is not a single figure. Workers aged 18-20 get £10.85, while those under 18 get £8.00. Apprentices also get £8.00 if they are under 19 or in their first year. After the first year, apprentices must be paid the rate for their age. This means a 21-year-old apprentice in their second year would be entitled to £12.71 per hour.

Employers must display the correct rate on payslips. If you suspect you’re being underpaid, you can use the minimum wage calculator on GOV.UK or contact Acas.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

• Always check the hourly rate in your contract, not just the annual salary.
• Ask about overtime, shift premiums, and whether the role includes paid breaks.
• Remember that advertised salaries may be pro-rata for part-time roles.
• Use our pay guides to compare typical salaries in your sector.
• For more detailed data, visit our pay data page.

Summary

So, what is the minimum wage in 2026? For most adults (21+), it’s £12.71 per hour. Younger workers and apprentices have lower rates. But the headline figure is only part of the story – your actual take-home pay depends on hours, deductions, and benefits. Always read your contract carefully and use official resources to check your rights.

For a full overview of all rates and bands, see the UK Minimum Wage.