What Is the Minimum Wage Going Up to in 2026? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

What Is the Minimum Wage Going Up to in 2026?

If you’re wondering what is the minimum wage going up to in 2026, the answer depends on your age and employment status. The Government has announced increases to all statutory minimum wage rates, effective from 1 April 2026. These changes follow recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC) and aim to balance fair pay with protecting jobs.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over will rise by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour. This is an increase of 50p from the current rate. The LPC expects this rate to stay ahead of the cost of living up to March 2027, meaning a real-terms increase for low-paid workers. The NLW now applies to all workers aged 21 and above, following a reduction from age 23 in 2024.

18-20 Year Old Rate

For workers aged 18 to 20, the minimum wage will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour – an 85p rise. This rate is now 85% of the NLW, a deliberate step towards the Government’s ambition to eventually eliminate the age-based gap. The LPC balanced labour market conditions with this goal, ensuring younger workers remain attractive to employers.

16-17 Year Old Rate and Apprentice Rate

Both the rate for 16-17 year olds and the apprentice rate will increase by 6% to £8.00 per hour (a 45p rise). The apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19 or those in their first year of an apprenticeship. These increases ensure that pay for the youngest workers does not become too detached from rates for older colleagues.

Accommodation Offset

If your employer provides accommodation, the daily offset – the amount they can count towards the minimum wage – will rise to £11.10 per day, up 44p (4.1%).

How the Rates Are Set

The LPC recommends rates based on economic conditions, the cost of living, and the impact on businesses. The Government’s remit asks the LPC to keep the NLW at around two-thirds of median hourly earnings. For 2026, the central estimate for that benchmark is £13.18, but the LPC recommended £12.71 after considering wider factors. The Government accepted all recommendations in full.

Impact on Take-Home Pay

While the headline rate is important, your actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and any benefits you receive. The LPC’s analysis shows that a single full-time worker (35 hours per week) on the NLW will see a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home pay – about £11.90. Workers receiving Universal Credit will benefit from a 6.2% rise in the standard allowance, which may boost their net income more than the wage increase alone. However, because tax thresholds are frozen, workers not on UC may see a slightly smaller net gain.

Age Bands and Eligibility

Understanding which rate applies to you is crucial. The NLW covers all workers aged 21 and over. If you are 18–20, you are entitled to the 18-20 rate. Workers under 18 get the 16-17 rate, and apprentices have their own rate. Always check your age and apprenticeship status to ensure you are receiving the correct minimum wage. For more detailed guidance, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Future Changes

The Government has stated its ambition to lower the NLW age threshold to 18, but the LPC has full flexibility to determine the pace. For now, the 18-20 rate remains lower, but the gap is narrowing. The LPC will continue to monitor the labour market and recommend future rates.

Summary

To answer what is the minimum wage going up to in 2026:

• 21 and over: £12.71/hr
• 18-20: £10.85/hr
• 16-17: £8.00/hr
• Apprentices: £8.00/hr

These rates take effect on 1 April 2026. If you have questions about your specific situation, visit our UK Minimum Wage page for more resources.