National Minimum wage rate changes from April 2026

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates April 2026

The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

You must be at least:

– school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage

– aged 21 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under

Current rates

	21 and over	18 to 20	Under 18	Apprentice
April 2025	£12.21	£10	£7.55	£7.55
April 2026	£12.71	£10.85	£8	£8

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
– aged under 19
– aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
– are aged 19 or over
– have completed the first year of their apprenticeship