Rate of record
16 to 17 minimum wage: £8.00 from 1 April 2026
The 16-17 band applies once the young worker is above compulsory school age. From 1 April 2026 it is £8.00 per hour, matching the apprentice rate for the first time.
16 to 17
16-17The rate, in numbers
- £8.00 per hour, effective 1 April 2026gov.uk
- £160.00 for a typical 20-hour part-time week
- Same cash rate as the apprentice rate in 2026/27 (£8.00)
School-age rule
NMW does not apply to school-age workers (under 16 in most cases). Once above compulsory school age - the last Friday in June of the academic year the worker turns 16 - the 16-17 band engagesgov.uk.
Hours limits still apply
The 16-17 NMW rate sits alongside hours limits in the Working Time Regulations: 8 hours a day, 40 a week, two consecutive days off, and night-work restrictions. The pay floor and the hours ceiling are separate enforcement areas.
Apprentice override
A 16-17 year old on an apprenticeship is paid the apprentice rate (also £8.00 in 2026/27) during the first 12 months, then steps up to the 16-17 rate (still £8.00) - for this year there is no cash uplift on graduation from the apprentice rate.