Rate of record
18 to 20 minimum wage: £10.85 from 1 April 2026
The 18-20 band sits between the 16-17 and the NLW. From 1 April 2026 it is £10.85/hr. The Low Pay Commission is on a trajectory to merge it into the single 21+ NLW.
18 to 20
18-20£10.85
per hour
£406.88 / 37.5h week
£21,158 / year
The rate, in numbers
- £10.85 per hour, effective 1 April 2026gov.uk
- £406.88 per 37.5-hour week
- £22,568 gross annual (40h)
- £10.85 vs NLW £12.71 - gap of £1.86/hr
Where the 18-20 band is heading
The LPC has been instructed to close the gap so the rate can ultimately merge with the NLW. The 2025 uplift was 16.3%; the 2026 uplift is 8.5%. A merger is widely expected inside the current Parliamentgov.uk.
What happens on the 21st birthday
The worker becomes NLW-eligible in the first pay reference period starting on or after their 21st birthday. The employer must update the rate or risk a back-pay claim.