The UK government has confirmed that minimum wage rates will rise in 2026, affecting millions of workers across different age groups. These changes are part of the annual review of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), which the government accepts each year based on recommendations by the independent Low Pay Commission.
While the new rates officially take effect from April 1, 2026, it’s useful to check your pay now so you can plan ahead and understand how much you will legally be entitled to earn once the higher minimum wages kick in.
Why Minimum Wage Rates Are Increasing
Each year, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) reviews work and economic conditions across the UK and recommends changes to minimum wage rates. These recommendations are then accepted by the government and set in law. For 2026, the focus was on ensuring pay for low-paid workers keeps pace with earnings growth and the cost of living while considering employers’ ability to pay.
The result for 2026 is a moderate increase across all age bands of the legal minimum wage.
New Minimum Wage Rates in the UK (From April 2026)
Here are the confirmed minimum wage rates that will apply from 1 April 2026:
Workers Aged 21 and Over (National Living Wage)
- £12.71 per hour – this is the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over.
- This is an increase of 50p on the previous rate, representing a 4.1% rise.
Workers Aged 18 to 20
- £10.85 per hour – for workers aged 18 to 20.
- This reflects an 85p increase or 8.5% rise.
Workers Aged 16 to 17
- £8.00 per hour – for workers aged 16 to 17 (but above compulsory school leaving age).
- This is up by 45p or about 6%.
Apprentice Rate
- £8.00 per hour – the apprentice rate also rises to £8.00 for apprentices under 19 or those aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship.
- This is a 45p increase.
Accommodation Offset
- £11.10 per day – for workers who receive free or subsidised accommodation from their employer, the daily deduction (known as the accommodation offset) rises to £11.10.
What This Means for Your Pay
Understanding how much you should be paid legally depends on your age and employment situation:
Aged 21 or Over
If you are 21 or older, you are entitled to at least the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour from April 2026. This is the highest minimum wage rate and applies regardless of whether you work full-time, part-time, temporarily, or on casual hours.
Aged 18 to 20
If you’re between 18 and 20, your legal minimum wage will jump to £10.85 per hour. This age band has seen a larger percentage increase as part of ongoing efforts to narrow the gap with the adult rate.
Aged 16 to 17 or Apprentice
Workers aged 16 or 17 (but over compulsory school age) and eligible apprentices will both see their minimum wage increase to £8.00 per hour, bringing these rates closer to the adult minimum.
Accommodation Offset
If your employer provides accommodation and deducts a daily amount from your wages, they must not deduct more than £11.10 per day from your pay when calculating whether you still meet the minimum wage.
When the New Rates Apply
Although your article headline refers to February 2026, the official legal change for minimum and living wage rates is set for 1 April 2026. Employers must make sure payroll systems reflect the new hourly minimums from this date.
Pay reference periods that span April may mean some workers first see the new rates in their next pay cycle after April 1, depending on how their employer runs payroll.
Who Is Entitled to the Minimum Wage
Minimum wage rights apply widely, including to:
- Full-time, part-time and temporary workers
- Agency workers
- Apprentices (under certain conditions)
- Casual and zero-hours contract workers
- Piece-workers (paid by output rather than time)
Almost all employees in the UK are covered, regardless of whether they are paid weekly or monthly. Employers must not pay less than the legal minimum wage for your age and job category.
What to Do If You Are Paid Below the Legal Rate
If you discover your hourly pay is below the new minimum wage once it takes effect:
- Speak to your employer with a copy of your payslip and contract.
- If the situation is not resolved, you can contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), which enforces minimum wage laws.
- It is illegal for employers to pay less than the minimum wage, and you may be entitled to back pay.
Final Thoughts
The confirmed minimum wage changes from April 2026 are designed to keep low-paid workers’ incomes rising in line with broader wage growth and economic conditions. Whether you are starting your first job at 16 or working a part-time shift alongside studies or caring responsibilities, these new legal minimums set a clear floor on how much you must be paid.
Checking your pay against these rates and knowing your rights will help ensure you are receiving every penny you are legally owed from April 2026 and beyond.