When Is Minimum Wage Going Up? The 2026 Increase and What It Means for Your Pay

If you are asking "when is minimum wage going up" in the UK, the answer is that the new rates took effect on 1 April 2026. The government accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations in full, raising the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) to £12.71 per hour — an increase of 50p (4.1%). This page explains the new rates, how to convert hourly pay to an annual salary, and what part-time and full-time assumptions mean for your take-home pay.

The New National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

GOV.UK confirms the following hourly rates apply from 1 April 2026:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71
• 18–20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 (up 85p, 8.5%)
• 16–17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 (up 45p, 6%)
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 (up 45p, 6%)
• Accommodation Offset: £11.10 per day (maximum deduction for employer-provided housing)

These rates apply across the UK. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage for every hour worked. If you are on a zero-hours contract or variable hours, your employer must still ensure your average hourly pay meets the relevant rate.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To understand what these hourly rates mean as a yearly salary, you need to know your typical weekly hours. A standard full-time working week in many sectors is 37.5 hours (though some use 35, 37, or 40 hours). The conversion rule used on this site is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, the National Living Wage of £12.71 at 37.5 hours per week gives:

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

For the 18–20 rate of £10.85:

£10.85 × 37.5 × 52 = £21,157.50 per year

For the apprentice rate of £8.00:

£8.00 × 37.5 × 52 = £15,600 per year

These figures are gross (before tax and National Insurance). The Income Tax Personal Allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570, meaning a full-time worker on the NLW would pay some tax but still keep most of their earnings.

Part-Time vs Full-Time: Why Hours Matter

The keyword "when is minimum wage going up" often comes from part-time workers wondering how the increase affects them. The hourly rate is the same regardless of hours worked — part-time employees must receive at least the same minimum hourly pay as full-time colleagues. However, your annual salary will be proportionally lower if you work fewer hours.

For example, a part-time worker on the NLW doing 20 hours per week:

£12.71 × 20 × 52 = £13,218.40 per year

Always check your contract for your agreed weekly hours and any overtime or shift premiums. The conversion assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, tips, or salary sacrifice. Actual pay may vary if you work irregular shifts or receive London weighting.

How the New Rates Compare to UK Benchmarks

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2026 shows the median full-time gross annual pay in the UK is approximately £39,039, which equates to about £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours per week. The National Living Wage of £12.71 is well below this median, reflecting its role as a floor rather than an average.

For public sector workers, the NHS pay scales for 2026/27 provide a useful benchmark. Entry-level Band 2 staff (e.g., healthcare assistants) start at £12.92 per hour (annual £25,272), slightly above the NLW. With inner London High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS), the same role pays £15.89 per hour (annual £31,066). These rates show how location and sector can push pay above the legal minimum.

What About the Next Increase?

The Low Pay Commission has already set out its remit for the 2027 uprating: the National Living Wage should continue to be set at two-thirds of median hourly earnings. This means the rate will likely rise again in April 2027, though the exact figure depends on earnings data and government acceptance. For now, the 2026 rates are in force, and employers must comply.

Using Our Tools to Calculate Your Pay

If you want to see how the new minimum wage affects your own earnings, try our Hourly to Salary calculator. You can enter your hourly rate and weekly hours to get an instant annual estimate. For more context on UK pay trends, visit our salary data page, which includes median earnings and sector breakdowns.

Summary

The minimum wage has already gone up — from 1 April 2026. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is now £12.71 per hour. For a full-time worker on 37.5 hours per week, that's roughly £24,784.50 per year. Younger workers and apprentices have lower rates. When converting hourly to annual, always state your hours assumption and remember that part-time workers earn proportionally less. Check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance for your specific situation.