Minimum Wage April 2026 UK: What You Need to Know

The minimum wage April 2026 UK rates have been confirmed by the government, following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour – a 4.1% increase from £12.21. This change affects millions of hourly-paid workers and also influences salary benchmarks for employers and job seekers.

Alongside the NLW, other minimum wage rates also increase:

• 18–20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour (up 8.5%)
• 16–17 year old rate: £8.00 per hour (up 6%)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (up 6%)
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (up 4.1%)

These rates are set out in The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and apply across the UK.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

When comparing hourly jobs with salaried offers, it helps to convert hourly rates into annual figures. A standard conversion uses 37.5 hours per week × 52 weeks (common for full-time roles in sectors like the NHS and retail). For the NLW:

£12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year

This is a gross figure before tax, National Insurance, and any deductions. The UK median full-time gross annual pay is around £39,039 (roughly £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours), so the NLW sits below the median but represents a meaningful increase for lower-paid workers.

Remember: actual take-home pay depends on your tax code, pension contributions, and whether you receive benefits like Universal Credit. The government notes that NLW workers on Universal Credit may see a larger increase in take-home income than the headline 4.1% due to a 6.2% rise in the standard allowance.

Comparing Hourly Jobs with Salaried Offers: NHS Example

The NHS pay scales for 2026/27 provide a useful comparison between hourly and salaried roles. Published by NHS Employers, these scales apply from 1 April 2026 and cover all Agenda for Change bands.

NHS Pay Bands (without Higher Cost Area Supplements)

Band	Entry Hourly Rate	Entry Annual Salary
Band 1 (closed to new entrants)	£12.92	£25,272
Band 2	£12.92	£25,272
Band 3	£13.17	£25,782 (approx)
Band 4	£14.52	£28,314 (approx)
Band 5 (e.g., newly qualified nurse)	£16.40	£32,000 (approx)
Band 6	£20.44	£39,858 (approx)
Band 7	£24.61	£47,990 (approx)

These rates show that even the lowest NHS band (Band 1) pays slightly above the NLW. Band 5 entry-level roles offer a significant premium over the minimum wage, reflecting the skilled nature of the work.

London Weighting and Higher Cost Area Supplements

For jobs in high-cost areas, NHS staff receive Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS). These are calculated as a percentage of basic salary:

• Inner London: 20% of basic salary, min £5,794, max £8,746
• Outer London: 15%, min £4,870, max £6,137
• Fringe areas: 5%, min £1,346, max £2,270

For example, a Band 5 nurse in inner London would earn at least £38,488 per year (including HCAS), with an hourly rate of £19.68. This illustrates how location can dramatically change the value of a salary.

What This Means for Job Seekers

When comparing hourly and salaried job offers, consider:

• Guaranteed hours: Salaried roles often guarantee a set number of hours per week, while hourly positions may vary.
• Overtime: Hourly workers may receive overtime pay (often time-and-a-half or double time), whereas salaried employees may not.
• Benefits: Salaried jobs may include pension contributions, sick pay, and holiday pay that are not always reflected in the hourly rate.
• Progression: Many salaried roles (like NHS bands) have clear pay steps and annual increments.

Use our salary data page to see how different occupations compare, or try the hourly calculator to convert your own rate.

Conclusion

The minimum wage April 2026 UK increase to £12.71 per hour is a significant step for low-paid workers. When comparing hourly jobs with salaried offers, always convert to an annual figure using your contracted hours and consider location-based supplements. The NHS pay scales show that many public sector roles offer rates well above the minimum, especially when HCAS is included. Whether you're negotiating a new job or reviewing your current pay, understanding these benchmarks helps you make informed decisions.