What Is the UK Minimum Wage? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage by Age Band

If you are a worker or job seeker in the UK, knowing what is the uk minimum wage for your age group is essential. The statutory minimum wage is not a single figure — it varies depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. From April 2026, the rates have increased, and the rules around eligibility remain important to understand.

The minimum wage is set by the Government following recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission. It applies to almost all workers, including part-time, casual, and agency staff. The rates are reviewed every year and change on 1 April.

National Living Wage (Aged 21 and Over)

Workers aged 21 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage (NLW). From April 2026, this rate is £12.71 per hour, up from £12.21. This is a 4.1% increase. The Low Pay Commission expects this rate to stay ahead of changes in the cost of living up to March 2027, though global events could affect that.

If you are 21 or over and not an apprentice in your first year, your employer must pay you at least this amount. Some employers offer more, especially for skilled roles or in high-cost areas like London.

National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 Year Olds

Workers aged 18 to 20 (but not yet 21) are entitled to a lower rate: £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This is an 8.5% increase from £10.00. The Government has committed to reducing and eventually eliminating the gap between this rate and the NLW. Currently, the 18-20 rate is 85% of the NLW.

If you are 20 and about to turn 21, your rate changes on your birthday. Your employer must then pay you the NLW from that date.

National Minimum Wage for Under 18s

Workers under 18 (but above school leaving age) are entitled to £8.00 per hour from April 2026, up from £7.55. This rate applies to 16 and 17 year olds. It is a 6% increase. Young workers often work fewer hours, but the same rules about breaks and holiday pay apply.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices have a special rate. If you are an apprentice under 19, or aged 19 or over and in your first year of apprenticeship, you are entitled to £8.00 per hour. Once you turn 19 and have completed your first year, you qualify for the age-based minimum wage (e.g., £12.71 if 21+).

For example, a 21-year-old apprentice in their first year gets £8.00. After completing that year, they must be paid at least £12.71.

How Advertised Salaries Compare

Many job adverts list salaries above the minimum wage, especially for experienced roles. However, entry-level positions, retail, hospitality, and care work often pay close to the statutory minimum. Always check the advertised salary against the legal minimum for your age. If an advert seems too low, it may be an error or the employer may be unaware of the correct rate.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

The statutory rates are gross pay — before deductions for tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. Your actual take-home pay depends on your tax code, whether you receive Universal Credit, and how many hours you work. The Low Pay Commission notes that a full-time NLW worker (35 hours per week) sees a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home pay after the April 2026 uplift, due to frozen tax thresholds. Workers receiving Universal Credit may see a larger increase because the standard allowance also rises.

Accommodation Offset

If your employer provides living accommodation, they can count up to £11.10 per day towards meeting the minimum wage. This is called the accommodation offset. It cannot reduce your pay below the minimum wage; it just means the value of accommodation can be included in the calculation.

Checking Your Pay

If you think you are being paid less than the minimum wage, you can use the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator or contact Acas for advice. Employers who underpay can be fined and ordered to pay arrears.

For more detailed guidance, see our UK Minimum Wage, pay guides, and pay data pages. You can also explore topics related to employment rights.

Summary of 2026 Rates

• 21 and over (NLW): £12.71 per hour
• 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice: £8.00 per hour (with conditions)
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

These rates are from GOV.UK guidance and the Low Pay Commission report. They apply across the UK from 1 April 2026. Always check your contract and the current statutory rates, as they change annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK minimum wage for someone aged 20?

Workers aged 20 are not yet eligible for the National Living Wage (which starts at 21). Instead, they are entitled to the 18-20 year old rate of £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This rate applies until the day before their 21st birthday.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers?

No. Apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 or over in their first year of apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year, they qualify for the age-based minimum wage (e.g., £12.71 for 21+).

How often do minimum wage rates change?

The UK minimum wage rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and typically change on 1 April each year. The Government accepts the Commission's recommendations, so rates can increase yearly. Always check the current rates on GOV.UK.