Minimum wage 2026: the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage rates
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Quick answer: From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour. Younger workers and apprentices have separate, lower minimum rates that also rise each April.
The legal minimum you can be paid depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The rates rise every April, and underpayment is unlawful. This guide explains the 2026 rates, who gets them, and what counts towards your pay.
Last reviewed:
Read the full work & self-employment guide →Primary source: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Who gets which rate
The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over. Workers aged 18–20, under-18s who are above school leaving age, and apprentices each have their own lower minimum rate. Apprentices get the apprentice rate if they are under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Always check the live figures on gov.uk, because every rate is uprated on 1 April each year.
What counts towards the minimum
Your average pay across a pay reference period must meet the minimum for the hours you work. Tips do not count towards minimum wage pay, and unpaid working time — such as compulsory training or security checks — can push your effective rate below the legal minimum.
If you think you are underpaid, raise it with your employer first; you can also report it to HMRC, which can recover arrears on your behalf.
Common questions
Do tips count towards minimum wage?
No. Tips and service charges must be paid on top of at least the minimum wage; they cannot be used to make up the legal minimum.
What if my employer pays below the minimum?
It is unlawful. Raise it with your employer, and if it is not fixed, report it to HMRC, which can order back pay and issue penalties.