UK Living Wage to Rise to £12.71 in April 2026

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday that the UK's National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will increase next April, providing a pay rise for approximately 2.7 million low-paid workers amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The changes, effective from April 1, 2026, follow recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission and apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The National Living Wage, which covers workers aged 21 and over, will rise by 4.1 percent from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour. For a full-time worker on 37.5 hours per week, this equates to an additional £900 in gross annual earnings. The National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 will see a larger 8.5 percent increase, from £10 to £10.85 per hour, delivering £1,500 more annually for full-time employees. This adjustment narrows the gap between the two rates and supports the government's long-term goal of eliminating the separate youth band to create a single adult minimum wage.

Younger workers will also benefit, with the rate for 16- and 17-year-olds rising by 6 percent from £7.55 to £8 per hour. The same increase applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over...