Guides › Work and Employment › National Minimum Wage Rates 2026: Every Age Band
National Minimum Wage Rates 2026: Every Age Band
From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. Workers aged 18 to 20 must get at least £10.85, and under 18s and apprentices at least £8.00. If your employer provides accommodation, it can count up to £11.10 a day of it towards the minimum wage.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Rates from 1 April 2026
The Rates
National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71. Age 18 to 20: £10.85. Age 16 to 17: £8.00. Apprentice rate: £8.00. Accommodation offset: £11.10. source
If You Are Paid Less
What to Do
Talk to your employer first and ask to see your pay records in writing. You can call the Acas helpline or complain to HMRC, which enforces the minimum wage for the Fair Work Agency. Your employer must pay back any arrears. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 April 2026These rates startedRates usually change every April
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Check your age band and your hourly rate.
Step 2 of 4
Work out your real hourly pay: pay for the period divided by all hours worked, including required training and travel between jobs.
Step 3 of 4
If it is under the rate, ask your employer to correct it and pay arrears.
Step 4 of 4
Complain to HMRC or call Acas if they do not.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Complain to HMRC About Pay
Free. You can complain about your employer or agency.
Acas Helpline
Free and confidential. 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Deductions for uniform or equipment can take your pay below the minimum wage illegally.
Rules here are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own employment law, the Labour Relations Agency and industrial tribunals; see nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/news/national-living-wage-increases-to-1271-per-hour Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/national-minimum-wage/worker-disputes-over-minimum-wage Checked 15 October 2026
- acas.org.uk/contact Checked 8 October 2026