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What is the minimum wage?
For workers and employers who want to know the current minimum wage rates.
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026
From April 2026 the hourly rates are:
- 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71
- 18 to 20: £10.85
- Under 18: £8
- Apprentice: £8
Apprentices get the apprentice rate if they're under 19, or 19 or over and in their first year. Rates change every 1 April.
Key facts
- £12.71 an hour at 21+
- £10.85 at 18 to 20
- Changes every 1 April
Minimum wage rates from 1 April 2026
These rates apply from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The rate for workers aged 21 and over is called the National Living Wage. The others are the National Minimum Wage.
| Age or type | Hourly rate (April 2026) | Hourly rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | £12.21 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £10.00 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 | £7.55 |
Apprentice minimum wage
You get the apprentice rate if you are:
- under 19, or
- 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship
Once you are 19 or over and have finished your first year, you must get at least the normal rate for your age.
Worked examples
Example 1. You are 25 and work 40 hours a week. 40 x £12.71 = £508.40 a week before tax. Over 52 weeks that is £26,436.80 a year.
Example 2. You are 19 and work 30 hours a week. 30 x £10.85 = £325.50 a week, or £16,926 a year.
Example 3. You are a 17-year-old apprentice working 30 hours a week. 30 x £8.00 = £240 a week, or £12,480 a year.
Who gets the minimum wage
You are entitled if you are a worker and over school leaving age. This includes part-time, casual and agency workers, and apprentices. A contract that pays less than the minimum wage is not legally binding.
You are not entitled if you are, for example:
- self-employed and running your own business
- a volunteer
- a company director
- in the armed forces
- a student on a work placement of up to one year
If you are paid too little
- Talk to your employer first.
- Ask your employer in writing to see your pay records.
- Call the free, confidential Acas helpline for help.
- Complain to HMRC about your employer. You can also complain for someone else.
- You can take a claim to an employment tribunal.
If your employer owes you money, they must pay it back.
Northern Ireland
The same hourly rates apply in Northern Ireland. You can get free advice from the Labour Relations Agency or the Acas helpline, and report underpayment to HMRC.
Related guides
- Does my employer have to give me a payslip?
- How do I work out my holiday pay?
- What rights do I have on a zero hours contract?
- What are the Income Tax rates?
- How much National Insurance do I pay?
- Do you pay tax on tips?
Where these figures come from
Get it done
This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.
Check you're getting the minimum wageCommon questions
What if I'm not being paid the minimum wage?
Contact Acas if you think you should be getting it.
What was the rate last year?
From April 2025 to March 2026 it was £12.21 for 21 and over.
Source: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026
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