National Living Wage
2026/27 Rates
Last reviewed: April 2026
The National Living Wage increased to £12.21 per hour from 1 April 2026 for workers aged 21 and over. Here are all the rates, who they apply to, and what to do if you are being underpaid.
At a glance
- ✓NLW rate from April 2026: £12.21/hour (aged 21+)
- ✓Ages 18–20: £10.00/hour; Under 18 and apprentices: £7.55/hour
- ✓A full-time worker (40h/week) on NLW earns £25,396.80/year gross
- ✓Employers who underpay face fines of 200% of arrears plus naming publicly
All rates from April 2026
| Age group | Hourly rate | Annual (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 | £25,396.80 |
| 18–20 | £10.00 | £20,800.00 |
| Under 18 (above school leaving age) | £7.55 | £15,704.00 |
| Apprentices (under 19 or in first year) | £7.55 | £15,704.00 |
Worked example
Worker aged 25, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks:
- Gross annual pay: 40 × 52 × £12.21 = £25,396.80
- Income Tax: (£25,396.80 − £12,570) × 20% = £2,565.36
- Employee NI: (£25,396.80 − £12,570) × 8% = £1,026.14
- Net take-home: £25,396.80 − £2,565.36 − £1,026.14 = ≈£21,805/year (£1,817/month)
Who qualifies for which rate?
National Living Wage (21+)
All workers and employees aged 21 and over are entitled to at least £12.21/hour. There are no exceptions for company size, sector, or contract type.
Ages 18–20
The lower rate of £10.00/hour applies to 18–20 year-olds. Once they turn 21 they are entitled to the NLW rate.
Under 18 and apprentices
Workers under 18 (above school leaving age) and apprentices under 19 in their first year receive £7.55/hour. Apprentices aged 19+ and past their first year are entitled to the full rate for their age group.
If you think you are being underpaid
Contact HMRC's Pay and Work Rights helpline: 0800 917 2368 (freephone, Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–1pm). All reports are treated in confidence.
Common questions
What is the National Living Wage rate from April 2026?
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour from April 2026. This rate applies to all employers in the UK regardless of size.
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage?
The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) applies to younger workers and apprentices at lower rates. Both are legally enforced — employers who underpay face fines and naming by HMRC.
What should I do if my employer pays me less than the minimum wage?
Contact HMRC's minimum wage helpline on 0800 917 2368 or report online at gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights. You can also pursue a claim through an employment tribunal. HMRC investigates all reports confidentially.
Does the National Living Wage apply to self-employed people?
No. Minimum wage legislation only applies to workers and employees — not to genuinely self-employed people. If you are unsure whether your employment status entitles you to minimum wage, seek advice from ACAS or an employment law specialist.
Sources
See your take-home on minimum wage
Enter your hourly rate and hours to see exactly what you take home after tax and NI.
Salary calculator