The minimum hourly rates that employers must pay their employees go up from 1 April 2026. Employers must pay their employees at least these minimum rates to avoid penalties, back payments and other regulatory action.

If you have employees paid at or just above these levels, you need to ensure that birthdays, full working hours and deductions are properly captured and dealt with. Please contact us for any support with business payrolls, including the operation of minimum wage levels.

	1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027	1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026
National Living Wage (for employees aged 21 and over)	£12.71	£12.21
National Minimum Wage (for employees aged 18-20)	£10.85	£10.00
National Minimum Wage (for employees aged 16-17 and apprentices)	£8.00	£7.55