When does minimum wage go up? Age bands and eligibility explained

When does minimum wage go up? A guide to age bands and eligibility

If you're a UK worker or job seeker, one of the most common questions is when does minimum wage go up. The answer is straightforward: the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increase on 1 April every year. The most recent change took effect on 1 April 2026, bringing higher rates for millions of low-paid workers. This article explains the new rates, the age bands that determine which rate you're entitled to, and how eligibility works.

The 2026 rates at a glance

From April 2026, the statutory minimum hourly rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71
• National Minimum Wage (18 to 20): £10.85
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00
• Apprentice rate: £8.00
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (if your employer provides living accommodation)

These rates were confirmed by the Low Pay Commission and enacted through The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The increases represent a balance between protecting the lowest-paid and maintaining a healthy labour market, according to the Low Pay Commission's report.

Age bands: who gets what?

Your entitlement depends on your age and, if you're an apprentice, the stage of your training. The key distinction is between the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those aged 20 and under).

Workers aged 21 and over

If you're 21 or older, you are entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour. This applies to all employees and workers, including those on zero-hours contracts, agency workers, and casual staff. The rate is a minimum – your employer may pay more, but never less.

Workers aged 18 to 20

Workers in this age band receive the National Minimum Wage of £10.85 per hour. This is a lower rate than the National Living Wage, reflecting the fact that younger workers often have less experience or are in training. The 2026 increase of 85p (8.5%) was the largest percentage rise across all bands.

Workers under 18

If you are under 18 and above the school leaving age, you are entitled to £8.00 per hour. This rate also applies to apprentices in certain circumstances (see below). The increase of 45p (6%) brings this rate closer to the apprentice rate.

Apprentices

The apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies to:

• Apprentices under 19 (regardless of how long they've been an apprentice)
• Apprentices aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship

Once you are 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you become entitled to the minimum wage for your age band. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice who has finished their first year would be entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour.

Why do rates change on 1 April?

The annual uprating on 1 April is a long-standing practice in the UK. The Low Pay Commission, an independent body, recommends new rates each autumn after consulting with businesses, trade unions, and workers. The government then accepts (or occasionally modifies) these recommendations, and the new rates are set out in regulations. The 2026 rates followed this process, with the Low Pay Commission's recommendations published in October 2025.

How to check your pay

If you're unsure whether you're being paid correctly, start by checking your employment contract and payslips. Your hourly rate should be at least the statutory minimum for your age and role. You can also use the government's minimum wage calculator (available on GOV.UK) to verify your pay. If you think you're being underpaid, contact Acas for advice.

Remember that your actual take-home pay may differ from the hourly rate due to deductions for tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or student loan repayments. The statutory minimum refers to your gross hourly pay before deductions.

For more detailed guidance on pay scales and salary expectations, visit our pay guides page. You can also explore our pay data section for anonymised salary information across different sectors and regions.

Common questions about minimum wage eligibility

Do I get the National Living Wage if I'm 20?

No. The National Living Wage applies only to workers aged 21 and over. If you are 20, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage of £10.85 per hour (from April 2026). This lower rate also applies to 18- and 19-year-olds.

What if my employer pays less than the minimum wage?

It is illegal for an employer to pay below the statutory minimum wage for your age band. If you believe you are being underpaid, you can raise the issue with your employer, seek advice from Acas, or make a complaint to HMRC. HMRC can investigate and order back pay.

Does the minimum wage apply to all types of work?

Yes, the minimum wage applies to most workers in the UK, including part-time, temporary, casual, and agency workers. There are some exceptions, such as genuinely self-employed people, volunteers, and some work experience placements. If you are an employee or a worker (as defined by employment law), you are entitled to the minimum wage.

Looking ahead

The Low Pay Commission has indicated that future National Living Wage rates will continue to be guided by the target of two-thirds of median hourly earnings. This means further increases are likely in April 2027, though the exact amount will depend on economic conditions and the commission's recommendations. For now, the 2026 rates provide a significant boost for low-paid workers, especially those in the 18-20 age band who saw the largest percentage increase.

For a full overview of current rates and eligibility, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.