How it works
Minimum pay = minimum hourly rate for your age × hours. Weekly figures are multiplied by 52 for a year.
A worked example
At 21 or over, the minimum is £12.71 an hour. For 37.5 hours a week that is £476.63 a week and £24,784.50 a year.
What to keep in mind
Rates from 1 April 2026. Pay-reference-period rules, accommodation offsets, salary sacrifice, unpaid working time and deductions can affect whether pay meets the minimum. This is a guide, not a compliance check.
Minimum wage rates from April 2026
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. The minimum wage is £10.85 for 18 to 20 year olds and £8.00 for under-18s. The apprentice rate is £8.00 for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship.
What the minimum wage adds up to
At £12.71 an hour: 37.5 hours a week is £476.63 a week, about £2,065 a month and £24,784.50 a year. 20 hours a week is £254.20 a week and £13,218.40 a year.
How much the rates went up
From April 2025 to March 2026, the rates were £12.21 for 21 and over, £10.00 for 18 to 20 and £7.55 for under-18s and apprentices. The National Living Wage rose by 50p an hour, about 4.1%.
If you are paid less than the minimum
Your employer must pay at least the minimum for your age for every hour worked. If you think you are underpaid, speak to your employer first. You can also contact Acas or complain to HMRC, which can order back pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in 2026?
From 1 April 2026: £12.71 an hour for 21 and over, £10.85 for 18 to 20, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices.
How much is £12.71 an hour per year?
£24,784.50 a year at 37.5 hours a week over 52 weeks.
When do apprentices get the full minimum wage?
When they are 19 or over and have finished the first year of their apprenticeship. They then get the rate for their age.
Is the minimum wage before or after tax?
Before tax. Income Tax and National Insurance are taken from your pay afterwards if you earn above the thresholds.
Sources & rates
Rates checked on 30 September 2026.
For general information and planning, not personalised financial or tax advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified adviser.