Millions of workers are set to earn more following an increase in the national minimum wage.
Starting April 1, the national living wage for workers aged 21 and over has gone up by 4.1 per cent, reaching £12.71 per hour. Meanwhile, those aged 18 to 20 will see a larger rise of 8.5 per cent, bringing their hourly rate to £10.85.
According to the Government, around 2.7 million employees across the country are expected to benefit from these changes. A full-time worker earning the national living wage could see their annual income rise by about £900.
Those receiving the national minimum wage are anticipated to gain up to £1,500 more per year.
Younger workers aged 16 to 17, along with apprentices, will also receive a pay increase, with their minimum hourly rate rising by six per cent to £8.
In November’s Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed she had followed advice from the Low Pay Commission, aiming to ensure lower-paid workers are fairly compensated for their efforts.
The national living wage is the highest rate of the minimum wage, which is the lowest hourly pay that most workers in the UK are entitled to by law.
The amount differs depending how old the employee is.
What is the minimum wage in the UK from April 2026?
The national living wage for over-21s is now £12.71 per hour.
For 18 to 20-year-olds, the national minimum wage is now £10.80 per hour.
The rates are still significantly below the London Living Wage, a voluntary salary that some employers have signed up to pay to reflect the higher cost of living in the capital.
This rate went up to £14.80 per hour, from £13.85, on September 2025.
How does the UK's minimum wage compare with other western countries?
Most countries do not have a minimum wage. However, here are the top 10 coutnries with the highest minimum wage in the world, per hour.
The figures are based on official data from organisations including the OECD, Eurostat and national governments, with hourly rates converted into pounds using recent exchange rates for comparison.
1. Australia: £14.01
2. Luxembourg: £13.80
3. United Kingdom: £12.71 (This is the national living wage – the highest tier of the minimum wage. Lower rates exist for younger workers.)
4. New Zealand: £12.70
5. Germany: £11.72
6. Ireland: £10.80
7. Netherlands: £10.70
8. Belgium: £11.28
9. France: £10.87
10. Canada: £10.50 (varies by province)
