UK National Minimum Wage Increases from 1st April 2026
Published / Last Updated on 25/11/2025
Ahead of tomorrow’s Autumn Budget, the Government has today confirmed that the National Minimum Wage will increase from 1 April 2026.
Rates are based upon your age and are usually increased by inflation or at faster rates than inflation under the current government and will be confirmed in the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.
|
Age Band |
Current Minimum Wage |
Increase per hour |
Increase % |
New Minimum Wage 2026 |
Overall increase since 2024 |
|
National Living Wage 23yrs+ |
£12.21 per hour |
£0.50 |
4.10% |
£12.71 per hour |
11.10% |
|
National Minimum Wage 21-22yrs |
£12.21 per hour |
£0.50 |
4.10% |
£12.71 per hour |
11.10% |
|
National Minimum Wage 18-20yrs |
£10.00 per hour |
£0.85 |
8.50% |
£10.85 per hour |
26.16% |
|
National Minimum Wage Under 18yrs |
£7.55 per hour |
£0.45 |
8.50% |
£8.00 per hour |
25.00% |
|
National Minimum Wage Apprentice |
£7.55 per hour |
£0.45 |
5.96% |
£8.00 per hour |
25.00% |
Comment
Up 25% in 2 Years?
Never forget that if wages for 20-year-olds and below are up 25%-26% in just two years since Labour took office, then employees further up the ‘line’ will also be demanding similar pay rises to maintain the margin given experience, qualifications and supervisory roles over younger, less experienced staff. Add to this the employers National Insurance Contributions increase to 15% that came into effect this year, it is no wonder that businesses are closing, charities are closing, recruitment is down and unemployment is up.
This is not sustainable, and we suggest it is backfiring as unemployment climbs meaning even more people are claiming unemployment benefits and universal credits.