The rates for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age) will increase on 1 April. The new rates are:
21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
April 2026 | £12.71 | £10.85 | £8 | £8 |
April 2025 (current rate) | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | 7.55 |
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
aged under 19
aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
When Rates Apply
A new rate will apply to the next pay reference period that begins on or after the date that:
a rate increase begins
an employee reaches a new age bracket.
For example: an employee paid on the 20th of each month will start to receive the new rate of minimum wage from 21 April onwards.
The new minimum wage will be automatically applied to all hourly employees in the next pay period after the rate increase begins. Please ensure that all monthly and salaried employees meet the minimum wage requirement. For more details or any queries please contact our Payroll Team payroll@bakertillymm.co.uk
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