The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage

What Are the Minimum Wage Rates from 1 April 2026? Aoife McGrath, a solicitor in leading law firm Blandy & Blandy’s Employment Law team, explains…

Increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) from 1 April 2026 were announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025.

The figures are based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission (LPC), an independent body that advises the government about the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the LPC, said: “The recommendations published today are a product of diligent study of the evidence, careful reflection and significant negotiation. Our advice balances the Government’s ambitions with the need to protect the economy and labour market, with rates that are fair and realistic.

In our discussions this year with workers and employers alike, it has been clear that no one is having an easy time. Despite sustained real increases in the minimum wage, low-paid workers are still challenged by the cost of living crisis. At the same time, employers, particularly small businesses, are under real pressure, exacerbated by this April’s National Insurance changes.

While GDP growth over the past year has been mixed and the labour market has softened, our judgement is that the recent NLW increases have not had a significant negative impact on jobs.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented: “I know the cost of living is still the number one issue for working people and that the economy isn’t working well enough for those on the lowest income.

These changes are going to benefit many young people across our country, getting their first job.”

The National Living Wage

 The National Living Wage applies to eligible workers aged 21 and over.

The National Minimum Wage

 The National Minimum Wage applies to eligible workers aged 18, 19 or 20.

The Minimum Wage

 The Minimum Wage applies to eligible workers aged 16 or 17.

The Apprentice Rate

 The separate Apprentice Rate applies to eligible workers who are either aged under 19 or aged 19 and over and in the first year of an apprenticeship.

Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to either the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage as above depending on their age.

Gov.uk’s minimum wage calculator is a helpful tool if you are looking to calculate the wage that you, as an employee or employer, should be receiving or paying respectively.

Blandy & Blandy’s specialist Employment Law team can advise employees and employers on the full range of Employment Law matters. For further information or legal advice, please visit www.blandy.co.uk.