From 1 April 2026, new UK minimum wage rates come into force. Most employers will already have this in hand – but it’s a good moment for a final sense check.
New Minimum Wage Rates (from 1 April 2026)
- National Living Wage (21+): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21 – 4.1% increase)
- Ages 18–20: £10.85 per hour (up from £10.00 – 8.5% increase)
- Under 18 & Apprentices: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55 – 6.0% increase)
A Quick Reminder…
Updating hourly rates is only part of the picture. Common areas that are worth a quick review include:
- Pay calculations (including deductions and unpaid time)
- Salary sacrifice arrangements
- Impact on holiday pay and other entitlements
- Pay differentials between roles
Even small oversights can crop up, particularly in more complex pay arrangements.
Looking Ahead
This year’s increase also sits alongside a wider package of employment law changes, including developments around:
- Day-one rights for certain types of leave
- Statutory Sick Pay reforms
- Predictable working patterns and zero-hours arrangements
How We Can Help Employers
We work with employers to provide practical, commercially focused advice on:
- Reviewing pay arrangements and compliance
- Updating contracts and policies
- Navigating wider employment law changes
If you would like a second pair of eyes on your arrangements or support with upcoming changes our expert Employment Law team would be happy to help – Call or email today.
