National minimum wage rates for April 2026 confirmed

The Government has announced new rates for the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) which will come into force from April 2026.

The NLW applies to those over 21.

The NLW, which applies to workers aged 21 and over, will rise from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.

The NMW applies to those aged under 21 (and is separately banded for (i) those aged 18-20; and (ii) those aged 16-17:

• For those aged 18–20 the NMW will rise from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour.
• For those aged 16–17 the NMW will rise from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour.

Any employer not paying the correct amount can be fined by HMRC.

None of the above is to be confused with the Real Living Wage which is an unofficial hourly rate overseen by the Living Wage Foundation charity and is aimed at all workers over the age of 18 but is voluntary and firms can choose whether to pay it or not (presently £14.80 in London and £13.45 outside of London).