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UK minimum wage: 15 questions answered
The 15 People-Also-Asked questions consolidated into one page. Each answer aims for 30-50 words. If you need detail, every answer cross-links to the deep page.
What is the UK minimum wage today?
From 1 April 2026: £12.71/hr for 21+ (NLW), £10.85/hr for 18-20, £8.00/hr for 16-17, £8.00/hr for apprentices.
When does the rate next change?
1 April 2027. The Low Pay Commission publishes its recommendation each autumn.
Do tips count toward minimum wage?
No. Tips, gratuities, service charge and tronc payments do not count toward NMW pay. Base pay must clear the floor first.
Are interns entitled to minimum wage?
If the intern does work for the employer (not just observation), yes. Genuine work-shadowing without tasks does not trigger NMW.
Do agency workers get the minimum wage?
Yes. The agency is the employer for NMW purposes and must pay at least the relevant band rate.
Is self-employment exempt from minimum wage?
Yes. NMW applies to workers and employees, not to genuinely self-employed contractors. HMRC tests substance over label; misclassification is a common enforcement target.
When does my rate change after a birthday?
From the first pay reference period starting on or after the birthday. Back pay is owed if your employer is slow.
How do I report underpayment?
File via gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights. The route is anonymous; HMRC/FWA cannot identify the complainant to the employer.
Is salary sacrifice allowed for NMW workers?
Only within headroom above the band floor. There is no pension exemption. A sacrifice that drops post-sacrifice pay below NMW is a breach.
What is the accommodation offset?
£11.10 per day for 2026/27. Rent charged above the cap reduces NMW pay pound-for-pound.
How far back can I claim underpayment?
Six years. Arrears are calculated at the current rate, not the rate at the time of underpayment.
What is the penalty for a non-paying employer?
200% of the arrears, capped at £20,000 per worker. A 50% discount applies if both arrears and penalty are paid within 14 days.
Are zero-hours workers covered?
Yes. NMW applies per hour actually worked, regardless of contract type.
Does the minimum wage apply in Northern Ireland?
Yes. NMW is UK-wide (reserved to Westminster). Scotland, Wales and NI have additional devolved policy (Fair Work First, AWO) on top.
Is the National Living Wage the same as the Living Wage?
No. The NLW is the statutory minimum (£12.71). The Real Living Wage is a voluntary higher rate (£13.45 UK / £14.80 London) set by the Living Wage Foundation.