UK National Minimum Wage · Rate of record · 22 June 2026
UK minimum wage rates,
effective 1 April 2026.
National Living Wage
21+18 to 20
18-2016 to 17
16-17Apprentice
under 19 or yr 1Direct answer
The UK National Minimum Wage from 1 April 2026 is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over (the National Living Wage), £10.85 for 18 to 20 year olds, £8.00 for 16 to 17 year olds and apprentices in year one or under 19, and the daily accommodation offset is £11.10gov.uk.
Take-home
Hours × band rate → gross trio + net after 2026/27 PAYE and Class 1 NI.
Am I being underpaid?
Payslip diagnostic that flags NMW breach and totals 6-year back-pay.
Accommodation offset
Max permitted rent deduction without breaching NMW.
Salary sacrifice floor
Where pension sacrifice tips post-sacrifice pay below NMW.
By band
By sector
Quick FAQ
What is the UK minimum wage in 2026?
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. The 18 to 20 rate is £10.85, the 16 to 17 rate is £8.00 and the apprentice rate is £8.00.
When did the current rates take effect?
All four current statutory rates took effect on 1 April 2026 and apply to the first pay reference period starting on or after that date.
What is the accommodation offset for 2026/27?
£11.10 per day, equal to £77.70 per seven-day week. That is the maximum value of employer-provided accommodation that can count toward minimum-wage pay.
When is the next minimum wage increase?
1 April 2027. The Low Pay Commission publishes its recommendation each autumn and the rates are accepted (or amended) by ministers.
Independent reference. Not legal advice. Always verify current rates at gov.uk.