What is the National Living Wage in 2026?

This guidance applies to Great Britain unless stated otherwise. The National Living Wage (NLW) is the legally binding minimum hourly rate that employers must pay eligible workers. From 1 April 2026, the rates are as follows: workers aged 21 and over must be paid at least £12.71 per hour (the National Living Wage); workers aged 18 to 20 must be paid at least £10.85 per hour; workers aged 16 to 17 must be paid at least £8.00 per hour; and apprentices in their first year or aged under 19 must be paid at least £8.00 per hour. These rates are reviewed annually by the government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. All figures represent the gross hourly rate before tax and National Insurance deductions. Employers must pay workers at least the minimum wage for all time classified as "working time" — this includes mandatory training, travel between assignments, and time spent waiting to start work. It does not cover genuine sleep-in arrangements where the worker is permitted to sleep and is only required to intervene if something happens. Workers who believe they are being paid less than the minimum wage can report their employer to HMRC (the enforcement body for minimum wage), contact ACAS or Citizens Advice, or bring a claim in the employment tribunal. There is no qualifying period of employment to bring a minimum wage claim. Always verify current rates at GOV.UK as they change each April.