What's Minimum Wage in the UK? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

What's Minimum Wage in the UK? Age Bands and Eligibility

If you're wondering what's minimum wage in the uk, the answer depends on your age and whether you're an apprentice. The government sets different hourly rates for different age groups, and these rates are updated every April. Knowing which band you fall into is essential to ensure you're being paid correctly.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

From April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. This is a 4.1% increase on the previous rate of £12.21. The NLW applies to all workers aged 21 and above, regardless of the job or sector. If you're 21 or older and not an apprentice in your first year, this is the minimum your employer must pay you.

National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to the 18–20 rate, which from April 2026 is £10.85 per hour. This is an 8.5% increase from £10.00, reflecting the government's aim to reduce the gap between this rate and the NLW. If you're 20, you still fall under this band – you don't qualify for the NLW until you turn 21.

National Minimum Wage for under 18s

Workers under 18 (but above school leaving age) are entitled to £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This rate also applies to apprentices in certain circumstances (see below). The 16–17 rate increased by 6% from £7.55.

Apprentice rate

Apprentices are entitled to £8.00 per hour if they are either:

• under 19, or
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year, they become entitled to the age-based rate (e.g., £12.71 if 21+). So an apprentice aged 21 in their second year must be paid at least the NLW.

Accommodation offset

If your employer provides you with living accommodation, they can deduct up to £11.10 per day from your wages for this. This is called the accommodation offset. Any deduction above this amount could bring your effective hourly pay below the minimum wage, which is unlawful.

What do these rates mean for your take-home pay?

Your actual take-home pay depends on how many hours you work, your tax code, National Insurance contributions, and any benefits you receive such as Universal Credit. For example, a single person working 35 hours per week on the NLW would earn about £444.85 per week before deductions. After tax and NI, the amount is lower. The Low Pay Commission notes that NLW workers who receive Universal Credit may see a larger increase in take-home income because the Universal Credit standard allowance also rose in April 2026.

Average earnings context

For comparison, the average weekly earnings for total pay in the UK are around £745 per week (based on public reference data). Minimum wage jobs often pay less than the average, but many employers offer rates above the legal minimum, especially in sectors with labour shortages.

Check your pay

Always check your payslip and contract to confirm you're being paid at least the correct minimum wage for your age and role. You can use the government's minimum wage calculator or contact Acas if you think you're being underpaid. For more detailed guidance, see our [UK Minimum Wage](/