Increased minimum wage rates take effect

Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage have come into force from 1st April 2026.

The new rates bring into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission in Autumn 2025, which were accepted in full by Government in November’s Budget. New rates, payable from 1st April 2026, are detailed in the table below.

The new rates, first set out by the Low Pay Commission in October 2025, once again take into account increases in the cost of living, as well as benchmarking with median incomes and input from business groups.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said:

“The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society.

“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year. The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.”

Looking ahead to 2027, a report by the Low Pay Commission anticipates the National Living Wage will need to increase to more than £13 per hour in April next year to keep pace with its target of two-thirds of median earnings. It will also continue on its path to eliminate the lower rate of pay for 18- to 20-year-olds, and factor in living costs into its recommendations. The report also finds, however, that the numnber of jobs paying the National Minimum and National Living Wage is set to decrease slightly over the coming year.

Alongside changes to the National Minimum Wage, a number of changes to employment law will also take effect from April 2026, including changes to Statutory Sick Pay and Day One rights, and Parental Leave.