National Minimum Wage to increase from April 2026

The Government have announced that the National Minimum Wage will increase for all age groups and apprenticeships starting in April 2026.

The rate for employees aged 21 and older will rise from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.

For those aged 18 to 20 the rate will increase from £10.00 to £10.85 per hour.

For those aged 16 to 17 and apprentices the rate will increase from £7.55 to £8.00 per hour.

All of these changes will come into effect on 1 April 2026.

Employers should start preparing for the changes now, in order to stay compliant when the new rates come into force. Including examining pay structures to ensure that all employees receive the new legal minimums, updating employment records and payroll systems and notifying staff members of any pay adjustments.

Businesses that fail to comply with the new minimum wage regulations risk reputational damage, financial penalties, and enforcement action. Therefore, employers should get advice on how the updated rates will impact their workforce, especially for lower-paid positions, apprenticeships, and employees who will move into a higher wage bracket due to age-related increases.

This article was written by Gabrielle Scriven.