What's the Minimum Wage in 2026? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

If you're asking "whats the minimum wage" in the UK for 2026, the answer depends on your age and employment status. The government sets statutory minimum rates that change every April. From 1 April 2026, the rates have increased following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. UK Minimum Wage provides a quick reference, but it's important to understand the age bands and eligibility rules.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over. From April 2026, the rate is £12.71 per hour, a 4.1% increase from the previous £12.21. This rate is designed to stay ahead of the cost of living and provide a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid workers. According to GOV.UK guidance, the NLW is expected to boost household incomes, though the exact impact depends on interactions with tax and benefits.

National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to a lower minimum wage: £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This is an 8.5% increase (£0.85) from the previous £10.00. The government has committed to reducing the gap between this rate and the NLW, and it now stands at 85% of the NLW.

National Minimum Wage for under 18s

For workers under 18 (but above school leaving age), the minimum wage is £8.00 per hour, up from £7.55. This 6% increase ensures pay for younger workers does not become too detached from rates for older age groups.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices are entitled to a minimum of £8.00 per hour if they are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After completing the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over must be paid the minimum wage for their age (e.g., £12.71 if 21+). The apprentice rate also increased by 6% to £8.00.

Accommodation Offset

If your employer provides living accommodation, they can use an offset against the minimum wage. For 2026, the daily offset is £11.10, up from £10.66. This means the value of accommodation can count towards your minimum wage pay, but only up to that amount per day.

Who is entitled to the minimum wage?

Almost all workers in the UK are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. This includes full-time, part-time, casual workers, and agency workers. There are some exceptions, such as genuinely self-employed people, company directors, and some volunteers. If you think you're not being paid correctly, you can use the government's minimum wage calculator or contact Acas.

Take-home pay considerations

The headline hourly rate is not the same as your take-home pay. Deductions for tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions reduce your net income. Additionally, if you receive Universal Credit, the increase in the minimum wage may interact with your benefits. As noted in the Low Pay Commission's report, a full-time NLW worker (35 hours per week) would see a weekly take-home increase of about £11.90, or 3.3%. However, households with children receiving Universal Credit could see a larger percentage increase due to the above-inflation rise in the UC standard allowance.

Checking your pay

Always check your payslip to ensure you are receiving at least the statutory minimum for your age and role. Your contract should state your hourly rate. If you are an apprentice, confirm whether you have completed your first year, as your entitlement changes. For more detailed guidance, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Summary of 2026 rates

• 21 and over: £12.71 per hour
• 18-20: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice (under 19 or first year): £8.00 per hour
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

These rates are statutory minimums. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors with labour shortages. The average weekly earnings for full-time employees in the UK is around £745, according to ONS data, but this varies widely by region and industry.

If you're still unsure about "whats the minimum wage" for your situation, visit our topics page for more information. Remember, the law requires employers to pay at least the minimum wage, and you have the right to challenge underpayment.