The National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates were announced on 26 November. From 1 April 2026:
- NLW (for those aged 21 or over) will increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.
- NMW (for those aged 18 - 20) will increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour.
- NMW (for those aged 16 and 17 and apprentices aged under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship) will increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour.
These rates reflect the recommendations made by the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC). Although the LPC has kept the 18 - 20 year olds together this year, its recommendations to the UK government suggest that 2027 may see 20 year olds become entitled to the higher NLW rate. In the longer term, the LPC proposes that the NLW is lowered so that those aged 18 or over are entitled to receive it, in either 2028 or 2029. Further consultation on these proposals is expected.
